New law replacing AUKU will not curtail students’ freedom of expression, says Zahid

Melaka, Nov 3 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi affirmed that the upcoming Bill set to replace the repealed Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) would not infringe upon students' freedom of expression. Speaking at the Apa Khabar Mahasiswa: Patriotisme Diperkasa programme at UiTM's Alor Gajah Campus in Melaka, Zahid explained that the proposed legislation would focus solely on university administration, academic affairs, governance, and the selection of senate members.

The new law, bearing a different name, would not include the seven provisions concerning students, such as their freedom to engage in activities as stipulated in AUKU. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that universities should refrain from penalizing students for expressing their opinions unless their statements touch upon sensitive matters related to race, religion, or the royal institution.

He noted that universities had previously taken action against students under AUKU, and with the Act's repeal, students would now be governed by existing laws, including criminal legislation. Zahid stressed that if students are merely expressing differing opinions, political beliefs, or the views of young people, universities should foster such discourse rather than take legal action, unless their actions contravene the law.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Prime Minister also announced that enrolment for the Department of Quantum Technology at UiTM would commence in the next semester under a training-for-trainers approach. The initial funding of RM500,000 would be used to equip academic staff with the necessary expertise in information technology and digital technology before the department is upgraded to the Faculty of Quantum Technology.