Anwar reaffirms no action against students who criticise him, govt

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed that no action will be taken against students who criticize him or the government, emphasizing that expressing dissent is not a crime and that education aims to foster critical thinking. Speaking at the opening of a youth summit in Kuala Lumpur, Anwar stated that leaders, like students, can make mistakes, including misusing public funds.

He urged the youth to stand firm in the face of injustice, defend truth, and oppose corruption. Anwar's remarks follow his announcement that disciplinary actions at public universities related to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and expression of views would be suspended immediately. The higher education ministry is developing a new legal framework to replace the outdated Universities and University Colleges Act 1971.

This stance comes in the wake of a recent conviction of student activist Wong Yan Ke for insulting the Universiti Malaya vice-chancellor and graduating students during a 2019 convocation. Anwar had previously suggested that universities should ease disciplinary measures against students exercising their right to free expression.