{
  "id": 3938125,
  "title": "‘Why restrain them?’ Anwar says students must be free to speak, think critically",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/why-restrain-them-anwar-says-students-must-be-free-to-speak-think",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-28T10:23:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/08/28/why-restrain-them-anwar-says-students-must-be-free-to-speak-think-critically/233075"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of allowing young Malaysians to speak freely and think critically during a meet-and-greet session at the Teacher Education Institute (IPG) Tuanku Bainun campus. The 18-year-old students, already entitled to vote, should be encouraged to discuss issues and express their views, he argued. Anwar dismissed the rationale for restricting their freedom, stating that not all opinions would be correct, but they should be educated with love.\n\nThe Prime Minister addressed the challenges of political life and the role of young people in shaping national policies, including education policy. He expressed his disagreement with the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, which restricted university students' freedom. Anwar abolished the act, aiming to provide students with the space to speak freely and foster creativity, critical judgment, and independent views.\n\nSuppressing students' views, he argued, would weaken society's ability to evaluate political claims and public policies. Instead, political leaders should guide society through facts and knowledge, rather than invoking racial or communal sentiments. Anwar stressed the need for aspiring politicians to possess integrity, courage, and a genuine desire to serve the public's interests. He urged young people to enter politics out of love for their country and confidence in Malaysia's future, emphasizing that politics should not be driven by personal gain.",
  "summary": "GEORGE TOWN, Aug 28 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said young Malaysians should be allowed to spe...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Govt considers allowance for Form Six students",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/govt-considers-allowance-for-form-six-students",
        "published": "2026-08-28T08:58:07.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Anwar: Budget 2027 to include allowance for Form Six students",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/anwar-budget-2027-to-include-allowance-for-form-six-students",
        "published": "2026-08-28T09:18:12.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Vibes",
        "title": "Form Six students to get allowance from 2027",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/form-six-students-to-get-allowance-from-2027",
        "published": "2026-08-28T09:43:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}