Budget 2027: Government halts public university disciplinary proceedings relating to free speech
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 — The government has halted disciplinary proceedings at public universities relating to freedo...
On October 9, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government has halted all disciplinary proceedings at public universities concerning freedom of speech, expression of views, public criticism, and peaceful assembly. This decision was made during the tabling of the Budget 2027 at Parliament.
The Higher Education Ministry is currently in the process of creating a comprehensive legal framework that will replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA). AUKU has long been criticized for restricting student activism and political participation. Amendments to the Act in 1975, 2012, and 2024 have altered its nature to some extent, but student groups have continued to demand its repeal, arguing that it infringes upon student freedom and participation in public affairs.
Anwar Ibrahim stated that the government would not introduce new laws that similarly limit student movements. The Ministry of Higher Education has halted disciplinary proceedings at public universities related to freedom of expression, public criticism, and peaceful assembly while they work on the new legal framework.
However, it should be noted that cases involving violence, vandalism, criminal offenses, academic misconduct, and breaches of legitimate disciplinary rules would still be subject to existing laws and regulations.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
