Public varsities ordered to stop disciplinary proceedings over freedom of speech, assembly
The higher education ministry says several provisions under Auku and the Student Disciplinary Rules have been identified for exemption from enforcement.
The Malaysian higher education ministry has instructed all public universities to immediately halt disciplinary proceedings against students related to freedom of speech, public criticism, and peaceful assembly. This decision comes in response to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's call for universities to ease actions against students expressing their views or criticizing policies.
The ministry identified specific provisions within the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku) and Student Disciplinary Rules for exemption from enforcement, including club and society management, student activity organization, and the right to communicate and disseminate information through digital platforms.
Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that these freedoms must coexist with responsibility and respect for the rule of law. Disciplinary actions involving violence, vandalism, property damage, criminal acts, academic misconduct, or contraventions of legitimate disciplinary rules will still be governed by existing laws. The ministry also announced that a similar review will be conducted on provisions for students at the International Islamic University Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi Mara, which are not covered by Auku, to ensure alignment with the ongoing reforms. The bill to repeal Auku is anticipated to be presented to the Dewan Rakyat this year.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
