KPT arah henti prosiding tatatertib mahasiswa berkaitan kebebasan bersuara

Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi (KPT) has halted all enforcement actions against students related to freedom of speech, expression of views, public criticism, and peaceful gatherings in public universities. This move is part of an immediate effort to expand student freedom and unity rights while the government develops new legislation following the revocation of the University and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku).

The directive states that all enforcement actions related to freedom of speech, expression of views, public criticism, and peaceful assembly in all public universities must cease immediately. The ministry clarified that certain provisions in Auku and the Student Discipline Rules that limit student freedom have been excluded from application.

These include freedom of association and student clubs, as well as student activities, freedom of speech and assembly, use of communication platforms, and distribution and publication of documents. However, the KPT emphasized that this freedom does not mean students can evade responsibility for other misconduct. Enforced actions for violence, vandalism, property damage, criminal offenses, academic misconduct, or violations of lawful enforcement remain subject to the law and regulations.

The latest directive follows Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's announcement that steps to expand student freedom will be implemented without waiting for the completion of the new legislation framework. On August 15, Anwar Ibrahim announced the government's decision to revoke Auku Susulan, and the Cabinet agreed on August 19 to develop a new Higher Education Act framework through the One Higher Education Act (OHEA) approach, in line with the Malaysia Higher Education 2026-2035 plan.

Earlier, two Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students, Fidaa' Ahmad Fahmi and Abdul Qayyum Ilham Zulizrul, faced enforcement actions for their involvement in protests in Kudat in May and issues related to the Sabah Unity March 3.0 planning. Both enforcement actions, initially scheduled for July 9, were postponed to July 21. However, there has been no further development on them.