Anwar orders universities to drop disciplinary cases against students over criticism

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed universities to release students facing disciplinary action solely for criticizing him, his government, or other matters, stating that these cases should not be subject to lengthy reforms of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971. He emphasized that university-level disciplinary rules should be relaxed immediately if the alleged conduct does not constitute a criminal offence or involve a police investigation.

At the 13th Malaysia MADANI Scholars’ Forum, Anwar highlighted his long-standing opposition to the AUKU and urged stakeholders to provide the government with ample time to conduct a comprehensive review of the legislation. The directive aims to broaden political and academic space on university campuses while the government undertakes the extensive review of the legislation.