Don’t gag students, give them space to express their views, PM tells varsities

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of students freely expressing their opinions in Malaysian universities, urging institutions to ease disciplinary actions against students who engage in such activities. Speaking at a forum at Universiti Malaya, he stressed that universities should foster critical thinking and allow fresh ideas to flourish without unnecessary restrictions.

Anwar clarified that students should not face disciplinary action unless their expression is linked to police cases. However, when it comes to freedom of expression on university campuses, he insisted that the process must be expedited, as waiting for the Universities and University Colleges Act (Auku) to be repealed would take too long.

He stressed that universities should not be replaced by new legislation that could impose further restrictions on students' freedom of expression. The Prime Minister also pointed out that while freedom of expression is essential, it has its limits, and there must be appropriate mechanisms in place to protect universities and their officials.

Furthermore, Anwar emphasized that academics should be allowed to express their views freely, and government regulations should not curb academic discourse. He reiterated that the government's upcoming bill to repeal Auku is expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat this year, and once passed, it will not be replaced by any legislation that could impede student freedom.