The recent repeal of Malaysia’s Universities and University Colleges Act (Auku), which was originally enacted in 1971 to regulate university governance and student activities, has sparked widespread discussion about the future of higher education in the country. While many have welcomed the move as a step toward greater freedom on campuses, some academics caution that abolishing the Act alone will not address deeper challenges facing Malaysian universities.
Auku had long been criticized for restricting academic and student freedoms, with many viewing it as an impediment to intellectual growth and critical discourse. The government formally announced its decision to revoke the law on August 14, 2026, a development that was met with enthusiasm by student groups and others advocating for reform in higher education. However, the legislation’s removal has raised questions about what mechanisms will replace it and how universities will maintain order and responsibility without it.
Prof. Dr. Mohd Tajuddin Mohd Rasdi, a professor of architecture at UCSI University and a veteran academic with 40 years of experience, expressed a reserved perspective on the repeal. He noted that during his extensive career, he did not advocate for the Act’s abolition but rather chose to work around its constraints. He described the real issues in public universities as stemming from entrenched attitudes among academics, students, and administration rather than from the Act itself.
Prof. Mohd Tajuddin argued that the prevailing culture in academia often prioritizes research output and publication metrics over meaningful contributions to society. He emphasized the need for a shift in how academic success is measured, suggesting that recognition should also include public engagement activities such as writing for mainstream media, participating in public forums, and producing accessible knowledge through various platforms, including social media.
The professor highlighted the importance of disseminating knowledge beyond academic journals, advocating for more publications in local languages and media, as well as content aimed at broader audiences. He also pointed to the potential benefits of incorporating modern digital channels such as YouTube and TikTok into academics’ outreach efforts, noting that current promotion criteria do not adequately recognize such initiatives.
Regarding students, Prof. Mohd Tajuddin expressed concern over the implications of unrestricted freedom on campuses. He questioned whether students, when granted full liberty to express themselves, might adopt divisive rhetoric related to race and religion, mirroring tensions seen in national politics. He warned against the possibility of campuses becoming arenas for inflammatory actions such as burning effigies or making unsubstantiated accusations, stressing the need for responsible and civil discourse.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has promoted the idea of freedom accompanied by “adab” (etiquette), but the professor noted a gap in current education systems in instilling such principles of civility and professionalism among students. He advocated for formal educational programs to cultivate responsible citizenship and appropriate public conduct.
Ultimately, Prof. Mohd Tajuddin concluded that without addressing the underlying cultural attitudes within universities and developing a framework to guide student conduct, simply abolishing Auku may not lead to meaningful improvements in Malaysia’s higher education landscape. He underscored the necessity of reforms that go beyond legal changes to foster an academic environment committed to both scholarly excellence and societal engagement.