Recently, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin recently said that The government has no plans to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku). But he also said that they’re open to suggestions on how the Act can be improved.

But what exactly is AUKU and what is its impact on university students in Malaysia?

Recently, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin recently said that The government has no plans to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku). But he also said that they’re open to suggestions on how the Act can be improved.But what exactly is AUKU and what is its impact on university students in Malaysia?

As they say, democracy doesn't begin and end at the ballot box. On Beyond the Ballot Box, we speak to politicians and analysts and explore burning issues and questions surrounding our fluid and ever-changing political scene.

As they say, democracy doesn't begin and end at the ballot box. On Beyond the Ballot Box, we speak to politicians and analysts and explore burning issues and questions surrounding our fluid and ever-changing political scene.

Beyond the Ballot Box

Repeal AUKU: Give Students Space to Be Politically Conscious Critical Thinkers 

Right-wing parties are gaining traction and strength all over Europe. Germany is no different, where a far-right party called Alternative for Germany (AfD) is becoming increasingly popular and is said to command around 20% of the popular support. 

So, why is this happening?



We speak to Dr Frederik Holst, an academic from Germany and an Associate Professor at Albukhary International University (AIU). 

Right-wing parties are gaining traction and strength all over Europe. Germany is no different, where a far-right party called Alternative for Germany (AfD) is becoming increasingly popular and is said to command around 20% of the popular support.&nbsp;So, why is this happening?We speak to Dr Frederik Holst, an academic from Germany and an Associate Professor at Albukhary International University (AIU).

Why Are Right-Wing Movements in Germany on the Rise?

On the 1st of April, there was a deadly strike by Israel on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria. Iranian military commander, Major General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, was killed in the attack, along with six other Iranian nationals, including another general, and at least six Syrian citizens. 

In retaliation, on April 13, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel in what they called ‘Operation True Promise’. 

But what lies at the heart of this conflict and how will it impact the Middle East?



We speak to Dr. Assal Rad, a scholar of Middle Eastern history. She works on research related to US foreign policy issues, the Middle East, and contemporary Iran. She’s also the author of ‘The State of Resistance: Politics, Culture, and Identity in Modern Iran’. 



Image Credit: Shutterstock (Ai-Generated Image)

On the 1st of April, there was a deadly strike by Israel on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria. Iranian military commander, Major General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, was killed in the attack, along with six other Iranian nationals, including another general, and at least six Syrian citizens. In retaliation, on April 13, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel in what they called ‘Operation True Promise’. But what lies at the heart of this conflict and how will it impact the Middle East?We speak to Dr. Assal Rad, a scholar of Middle Eastern history. She works on research related to US foreign policy issues, the Middle East, and contemporary Iran. She’s also the author of ‘The State of Resistance: Politics, Culture, and Identity in Modern Iran’. Image Credit: Shutterstock (Ai-Generated Image)

Unpacking the Israel-Iran Conflict

When discussing Malaysian politics, there is a tendency by many to look at “The Malays” as a singular block. On the one hand, there is a penchant for some to blame “The Malays” for our nation’s 99 problems. On the other hand, Malay political elites tend to propagate a narrative in which “The Malays” were “united” across racial lines once upon a time and so, there is a need to reunite the Malays once more. 

But are the Malays a monolith? Have they ever been?

Producer's note: A couple of factual errors were made in the conversation -


Concerning May 13, MCA was cited when it should've been Gerakan.


The Memali incident took place in the 80s, not 50s.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

When discussing Malaysian politics, there is a tendency by many to look at “The Malays” as a singular block. On the one hand, there is a penchant for some to blame “The Malays” for our nation’s 99 problems. On the other hand, Malay political elites tend to propagate a narrative in which “The Malays” were “united” across racial lines once upon a time and so, there is a need to reunite the Malays once more.&nbsp;But are the Malays a monolith? Have they ever been? Producer's note: A couple of factual errors were made in the conversation -<ul><li>Concerning May 13, MCA was cited when it should've been Gerakan.</li><li>The Memali incident took place in the 80s, not 50s.</li></ul>Image Credit: Shutterstock

Repeal AUKU: Give Students Space to Be Politically Conscious Critical Thinkers

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