Suhakam wants academic freedom protected after Auku repealed
It says students should be free to express views and assemble, while academics should be free to teach, research, publish and participate in public discourse.
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has called for the protection of academic freedom after the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku) is repealed. Suhakam emphasizes that any new higher education framework must prioritize academic freedom and uphold students' fundamental rights. The commission advocates for a future framework grounded in human rights principles, developed through consultations with various stakeholders.
This framework should extend beyond student political participation, safeguarding academics and researchers' rights to teach, research, and publish without interference or fear of retaliation. Suhakam also stresses the need for clear transitional arrangements to ensure continuity in university administration while maintaining fundamental freedoms.
The abolition of Auku, according to Suhakam, should bring significant changes to Malaysia's higher education landscape, ultimately creating spaces where ideas can be freely challenged and debated, and empowering students to think critically and contribute meaningfully to society.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- Suhakam wants academic freedom protected after Auku repealed freemalaysiatoday.com
