General : AUKU Repeal Gives Students Greater Space To Speak Up – Ahmad Zahid

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged university students to fully utilize the increased freedom of expression resulting from the repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku). According to Zahid, previous limitations on student political involvement have restricted their activities both domestically and internationally. However, the changes brought about by Auku's repeal will provide students with more opportunities to actively participate in the political process.

"We will strengthen the Overseas Umno Club and Siswa Umno once there are no domestic restrictions for students to mobilize within Umno," Zahid told delegates from the Overseas Umno Club and Siswa Umno during a gathering, as reported by Bernama. As the Deputy Prime Minister, Zahid emphasized the importance of youth voices in helping the leadership understand the challenges faced by students and their perspectives on the nation's political future.

On August 20, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the bill to repeal Auku is expected to be presented to the Dewan Rakyat this year. Additionally, Anwar directed that any disciplinary actions taken against students solely for expressing criticisms or academic opinions should be withdrawn immediately.