MELAKA, Nov 3 – The new legislation drafted to replace the now-repealed Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) will not restrict or compromise university students’ freedom of expression, affirmed Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Speaking to reporters after attending the Apa Khabar Mahasiswa: Patriotisme Diperkasa program at Universiti Teknologi MARA’s (UiTM) Alor Gajah Campus in Melaka on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Ahmad Zahid revealed that Cabinet consensus limits the new bill strictly to higher education governance and administration.
Ahmad Zahid stated that the upcoming law—which will carry a completely new name—will govern academic frameworks, institutional governance, senate appointments, and executive leadership selections, including vice-chancellors and deputy vice-chancellors.
“The new legislation… will no longer include the seven provisions concerning students, including those on freedom, under AUKU, which restricted their freedom to engage in activities,” Ahmad Zahid clarified. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir was also present at the campus event.
Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as Rural and Regional Development Minister, emphasized that universities should not penalize students for voicing political perspectives or constructive criticism, provided their statements do not breach existing criminal laws or touch upon sensitive 3R issues (Race, Religion, and the Royalty).
“Under AUKU, universities did take action against students. Now that the Act has been repealed, students remain subject to existing laws, including criminal legislation,” he explained. “…if students are simply expressing differing opinions, political beliefs or the views of young people, I believe universities should welcome this rather than take legal action against them.”
In a separate announcement regarding academic expansion, Ahmad Zahid confirmed that student enrollment for UiTM’s newly established Department of Quantum Technology is scheduled to begin next semester using a train-the-trainer strategy. Existing academic staff with IT and digital backgrounds will be deployed for master’s, PhD, or short-course training prior to upgrading the unit into a full Faculty of Quantum Technology. The initiative follows an initial RM500,000 funding allocation announced in October.
Legislative Scope, Student Rights, and Quantum Tech Department
Key legislative parameters, student expression guidelines, and academic developments include:
- Scope of Replacement Bill: Restricted strictly to university governance, senate structures, academic affairs, and appointments of vice-chancellors and senior executives.
- Student Protections: Removal of seven restrictive student-related provisions previously enforced under AUKU 1971; students remain governed only by general statutory and criminal laws.
- Expression Thresholds: Universities urged to accommodate diverse political views; disciplinary or legal action limited strictly to breaches of criminal law or 3R offenses.
- UiTM Quantum Technology Rollout: Department student intake starts next semester backed by RM500,000 initial seed funding and a train-the-trainer academic development plan.
–NMT
More Stories
Connection Between Drug Smuggling Surge And Death Penalty Abolition Unproven, Says PM Anwar
MCMC Removes Nearly 725,000 Gambling Contents, Blocks 2,603 Websites Through Joint Enforcement
Malaysia Decides Against Extraditing Dr Zakir Naik To India