MoHE halts disciplinary proceedings involving student freedom of expression

PUTRAJAYA - All disciplinary proceedings at public universities involving freedom of speech, expression of views, public criticism and peaceful assembly must be halted with immediate effect, the Higher Education Ministry (MoHE) said.

The ministry said the move was an immediate step to expand students’ freedom of expression and right to association, in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks at the Malaysia MADANI Intellectuals Forum (FIM) Series 13 on the repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Act 30) (AUKU).

In a statement today, MoHE said it was also reviewing measures that could be implemented under the existing legal framework to give immediate effect to the Prime Minister’s directive.

Several provisions under AUKU and the Student Disciplinary Rules that restrict students’ freedom of expression and association have been identified for exemption as part of the immediate measures.

These include freedom to manage student associations and clubs; freedom to organise student activities; and freedom of expression, assembly, use of communication platforms, as well as the distribution and publication of documents.

"At the same time, such freedoms must go hand in hand with responsibility and respect for the rule of law.

"Acts involving violence, vandalism, property damage, criminal offences, academic misconduct or breaches of valid disciplinary rules remain subject to the laws and regulations in force,” the statement read.

MoHE said a similar review would be conducted for the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), which are not governed by AUKU, to examine provisions relating to students and align them with the reform measures being implemented under AUKU.

The ministry said it remained committed to developing an open, structured and inclusive higher education governance framework through engagement with all stakeholders, to ensure the development of a quality higher education ecosystem for the country’s future.

Anwar had stressed that while the process of developing a new legal framework was underway, measures to give students greater freedom should be implemented immediately, without waiting for the entire drafting of the new Act to be completed. - BERNAMA