KPT arah henti prosiding tatatertib mahasiswa berkaitan kebebasan bersuara

Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi (KPT) has ordered an immediate halt to all disciplinary proceedings against students related to freedom of speech, expression of views, public criticism and peaceful assemblies at public universities. This move is part of an urgent expansion of student freedom of speech and association rights, while the government develops a new legal framework following the suspension of the University and University College Act 1971 (Auku).

All disciplinary actions concerning freedom of speech, expression of views, public criticism, and peaceful assemblies across all public universities must cease immediately, stated KPT in a statement. Certain provisions within Auku and Student Discipline Rules, which restraints student freedom, have been deemed exempt from application.

These include freedom of association and student clubs activities, as well as student participation rights, freedom of speech and assembly, use of communication platforms, and dissemination and publication of documents. However, KPT emphasized that this freedom does not mean students are exempt from legal action for other misconducts.

Such as violence, vandalism, property damage, criminal offenses, academic misconduct, or violations of lawful disciplinary procedures. The latest directive comes soon after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged for the expansion of student freedom measures without waiting for the completion of the entire legal framework amendment process.

On August 15, Anwar Ibrahim announced the government's decision to suspend Auku Susulan, and on August 19, the Council of Ministers approved the development of a new higher education framework through the One Higher Education Act (OHEA), in line with the Malaysia Higher Education 2026-2035 blueprint. Earlier, two students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Fidaa' Ahmad Fahmi and Abdul Qayyum Ilham Zulizrul, faced disciplinary proceedings for their involvement in protests in Kudat in May and Sabah Gempur Rasuah 3.0 demonstration planning, respectively.

Both proceedings were initially scheduled for July 9, but were postponed to July 21, with no further developments and status unknown.