{
  "id": 3939440,
  "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-3939440",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-28T10:23:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "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, aged 18 and above, to express their thoughts freely. He explained that these individuals, already entitled to vote, should be encouraged to discuss matters and share their perspectives. Anwar questioned the necessity of restraining them, suggesting that some of their views might be incorrect but that discussion and education would help guide them. He underscored that political decisions, including education policy, impact their future, urging young people to understand their role in these discussions. Anwar expressed disagreement with the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, introduced in the 1970s to limit university student freedom. He stated that while there are laws for actions like assaulting someone or stealing, opinions should be respected and listened to. The abolition of this act was aimed at fostering an environment where students could speak freely, develop critical thinking, and cultivate independent viewpoints. Anwar argued that suppressing views would weaken society's ability to judge political claims and public policies, leading to foolishness. He called for political leaders to guide society with facts and knowledge rather than personal biases, urging them to focus on issues rather than inciting racial or communal hatred. He urged aspiring politicians to enter politics out of a genuine desire to serve their people with integrity, emphasizing the need for individuals with intelligence and compassion to enter the field and combat corruption.",
  "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."
}