Higher Education Ministry begins steps towards repeal of UUCA, halts student disciplinary proceedings

The Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) in Malaysia has announced a series of measures to expand students' freedom of expression and right to association, as called for by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In response to the 13th Malaysia Madani Scholars Forum, the ministry claims that Anwar stressed the need for immediate implementation of measures to give students greater freedom while a new legal framework is being developed.

MOHE has identified several provisions under the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) and the Student Disciplinary Rules that restrict students' freedom of expression and association for exemption from enforcement. With immediate effect, MOHE announced the halting of all disciplinary proceedings relating to freedom of expression, the expression of views, public criticism, and peaceful assembly at all public universities.

However, acts involving violence, vandalism, property damage, criminal offences, academic misconduct, or breaches of legitimate disciplinary rules remain subject to the laws and regulations in force. MOHE also stated that it would conduct a similar review of provisions relating to students at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), which are not governed by AUKU, to align them with the reforms being implemented under AUKU.

Brief written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.