THE government will repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) to provide greater freedom to students.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the decision was made as there were still some dissatisfied parties despite several amendments to the Act.
“Some are dissatisfied with the Universities and Colleges Act. They are asking for it to be repealed.
“Today I have announced that we will repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act,” he said when delivering the President’s policy speech at the PKR Annual National Congress at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC), Ayer Keroh today.
Anwar, who is also the PKR President, said the previous government had made several reforms to provide more freedom and space to students.
However, he did not detail the period or mechanism for implementing the repeal of the act.
On another issue, Anwar said the government will continue efforts to uncover issues related to the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) after completing its investigation into the issue involving the Tabung Haji (TH) Board.
The Prime Minister said the matter had also received the attention of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, who wanted the investigation into institutions owned by the people not to stop at the TH issue.
"The Agong informed me not to end with the Tabung Haji issue. Continue.
"Your Majesty asked me who is in charge of Felda now. I answered, I am. So, solve Tabung Haji, uncover Felda," he said.
Anwar said the government would not punish or point fingers at any party before there is certainty, but instead leave the investigation to the enforcement agencies to carry out their duties professionally.
He said the government also faced criticism when enforcement action was taken, including allegations that the government was in a state of panic or the Prime Minister was desperate.
“If action is taken, it is called revenge. Not taking action, it is called laxity. Whatever is said, I want to stress that the process and actions are stricter starting now,” he added. – August 15, 2026
