Govt orders halt to student disciplinary probes under UUCA

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 — The Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) is taking immediate actions to enhance students' freedom of speech and right to form groups, in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's plea for the repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA). During the 13th Malaysia Madani Scholars Forum, Anwar emphasized that measures to boost students' autonomy should commence immediately, while a brand-new legal framework is being crafted, without awaiting the full completion of the new law drafting process.

MOHE disclosed that it evaluated measures under the current legal structure to align with the prime minister's directive. Several provisions in the UUCA and the Student Disciplinary Rules were found to curb students' freedom of speech and association, which the ministry proposed to exempt from enforcement. These comprise liberty in managing student associations and clubs, overseeing student activities, freedom of speech, assembly, usage of communication platforms, and dissemination and publication of materials.

"Consequently, MOHE announces that all disciplinary proceedings concerning freedom of speech, articulation of views, public criticism, and peaceful assembly at all public universities will be suspended immediately," it declared. The ministry stressed that these liberties must be used responsibly and in respect for the law. "Acts involving violence, vandalism, property damage, criminal acts, academic misconduct, or contraventions of lawful disciplinary rules continue to be subject to the applicable laws and regulations," it added.

For the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), which operate outside the UUCA, the ministry promised a comparable review of their respective student-related provisions to harmonize them with the reforms under UUCA. MOHE affirmed its dedication to fostering an open, systematic, and inclusive higher education administration system by engaging all stakeholders to guarantee a superior higher education ecosystem for the nation's future.