ALL disciplinary proceedings related to freedom of expression and the right to association at all public universities have been suspended with immediate effect.
The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), in a statement, however, stressed that this freedom must be carried out with responsibility and according to the rule of law.
Acts involving violence, vandalism, property damage, criminal offences, academic misconduct or legitimate disciplinary violations remain subject to applicable laws and regulations.
For the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), which are not governed by AUKU, the ministry said it would conduct a similar review of their respective provisions relating to students to align them with the reforms being implemented under AUKU.
The Ministry explained that this is an immediate step to expand freedom of expression and the right to association of students, in line with the assertion of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the MADANI Malaysian Scholars Forum (FIM) Series 13 regarding the repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 [Act 30] (AUKU).
In the forum, the prime minister emphasised that while the process of developing a new legal framework is being implemented, measures that can provide more freedom to students must be implemented immediately, without having to wait for the entire process of drafting the new act to be completed.
“In this regard, MOHE has examined measures that can be implemented within the existing legal framework to translate this assertion immediately.
“Several provisions in the AUKU and the Student Disciplinary Rules that limit students’ freedom of expression and association have been identified to be exempted from application as an immediate implementation measure.
“Among these are the freedom of management of associations and clubs; the freedom of management of student activities; and freedom of expression, assembly, use of communication platforms and distribution and publication of documents,” it said in the statement.
MOHE said it remains committed to continuing the development of open, structured and inclusive higher education governance through the involvement of all stakeholders to ensure the creation of a quality higher education ecosystem for the country's future. – August 28, 2026
