University disciplinary cases over student expression halted
KUALA LUMPUR: The Higher Education Ministry has ordered an immediate halt to disciplinary proceedings against students over public criticism, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly at public universities.
The Higher Education Ministry has ordered an immediate halt to disciplinary actions against students for expressing opinions, criticizing public matters, and peacefully assembling at universities, following Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's call for expanded freedom of expression and student association rights. The ministry examined existing legal provisions to implement the directive and identified several AUKU and Student Disciplinary Rules that would be exempted, including student association management, activity management, freedom of expression, assembly, and document distribution.
The decision affects all public universities, with violence, vandalism, academic misconduct, and other criminal offenses still subject to applicable laws. Similar reviews will be conducted for non-AUKU governed institutions. The ministry remains committed to fostering an open and inclusive higher education governance system involving all stakeholders.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
