The repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA) will only be meaningful if it is accompanied by changes to university administrative culture, including stronger institutional autonomy and guarantees for academic freedom and diversity of views, according to two academicians.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) senior lecturer Romzi Ationg said academic freedom must be supported by clear guidelines distinguishing it from academic responsibility.

“Academic freedom must be guaranteed through...