Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir said the proposed repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA) requires a holistic review of Malaysia’s higher education laws.
He said UUCA covers more than student affairs and freedom, as it also provides the legal framework for the establishment, administration and governance of universities and university colleges.
Zambry said the repeal should therefore be accompanied by a new, comprehensive and forward-looking legal framework that meets current and future higher education needs.
The government is developing the proposed One Higher Education Act under the Malaysia Higher Education Plan 2026–2035, with input expected from universities, academics, students, industry players and other stakeholders.
The new framework aims to strengthen institutional autonomy, academic freedom and student participation while maintaining governance, accountability and excellence in higher education
