Guidelines on academic freedom being finalised
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said implementation guidelines on the matter will be detailed in the ministry's Administrative Circular, which is currently being finalised.
He said the circular will also serve as the official reference for all public universities, under the Second Schedule of the Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act 2000.
"We are of the view that all university members, whether students or lecturers, are free to express statements, opinions, and positions on matters responsibly, provided these do not violate university regulations, national laws, or touch on sensitive issues.
"The ministry remains committed to strengthening the principles of academic freedom and promoting intellectual openness among academic staff and students at institutions of higher learning (IPTs)," he said in a written parliamentary reply.
Zambry was responding to a question from Nurul Amin Hamid (PH-Padang), who asked about measures to safeguard academic freedom and students' freedom of expression, in line with the aspiration of universities to serve as platforms for open and critical debate following the 2023 amendments to the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU).
He said that freedom of expression among university members, whether students or academic staff, must be accompanied by responsibility, ethics, and intellectual discipline.
"Every university member is encouraged to express their ideals and views maturely through legitimate channels, reflecting their intelligence, leadership capability, and commitment to building a forward-looking and progressive society."
Last year, the New Straits Times reported that the ministry had requested a review of the Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act 2000 to allow public universities to freely make statements.
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