Latest news with #AUKU
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Guidelines on academic freedom being finalised
KUALA LUMPUR: Academic staff at public universities will soon be permitted to make public statements related to their areas of expertise. 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.
The Star
08-08-2025
- Politics
- The Star
File motion against PM if you must, but stop making excuses, PH Youth tells Opposition
PETALING JAYA: Angkatan Muda Harapan (AMH) has challenged the Opposition to immediately table a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister in the Dewan Rakyat. Pakatan Harapan's Youth wing said the Opposition should stop making excuses and putting on an act. "If they do not dare to table the motion, or fail to pass it, they should accept the outcome. "They should then play their role in providing checks and balances constructively and responsibly," it said in a statement on Friday (Aug 8). The movement also expressed full support for the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) presented by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last week. "It is a national roadmap that emphasises value-based economic development, institutional reforms, and fair distribution for all Malaysians. "AMH urges all MPs to debate the 13MP in a mature, professional and fact-based manner, and to put forward constructive criticism and suggestions. "Comparing the plan solely based on its thickness without examining its contents is nothing more than cheap politics that does not benefit the country," it said. AMH also urged Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh to issue an open apology to the entire disabled (OKU) community over his recent remarks, which it considered insensitive and shameful. "AMH strongly condemns his statement insulting the OKU community in his response to critics. "His remarks send the message that anyone who disagrees with his views deserves to be issued an OKU card. "Using the OKU community as material for political jokes is a despicable and highly irresponsible form of discrimination," it said. AMH added that it would travel nationwide to explain the government's reform agenda to the public through a series of tours, forums and dialogues, stressing the need for the government to stay connected to the people. It also pledged to push for the abolition of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) through its AUKU Abolition Committee led by AMH chief Woo Kah Leong, and expressed solidarity with PKR youth deputy chief Nabil Halimi, who was sued for RM1mil by PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari. "AMH is also committed to empowering young people, but hopes that the mechanism for implementing the age limit of 30 for youth will be improved in line with the needs of youth associations. "AMH is concerned about the continuity of youth leadership and hopes that the policy will take into account socio-economic realities, the process of leadership capacity transition, and the inclusive involvement of all stakeholders, especially young people," it said.
New Straits Times
29-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
No action, but UMS will advise students on responsibilities of freedom
KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) will not take action against students involved in an anti-graft demonstration, as advised by the prime minister, said vice chancellor Professor Datuk Kasim Mansur. However, UMS will advise its students on the responsibilities that come with freedom. "Given that the prime ,inister has made a statement that no disciplinary action will be pursued, we will comply with the position. "However, at the university level, we will continue to engage students and help them understand that their freedoms come with responsibility," he said after handing over hybrid "bubu" fish traps to fishermen from Kampung Rampayan in Manggatal near here. UMS had considered suspending or expelling 13 students involved in the Sabah Gempur Rasuah 2.0 demonstration, including two who had burned an effigy of the prime minister. Kasim said the university respected students' right to voice their opinions, but there must be a balance between activism and adherence to regulations. "It has been stated by the higher education minister that the demonstration showed students have space to express themselves. "However, while AUKU (Universities and University College Act (Amended) 2012) allows students to participate in demonstrations, UMS is of the view that it should not reach a point where good judgment is lost. "The permission we granted was based on students respecting the law and not engaging in actions that could negatively impact the surrounding community. "It must be expressed in a civilised manner, without violating regulations. That is our stance on this matter," he said. On the hybrid "bubu" project, Kasim said it was in collaboration with the Higher Education Ministry and aligns with the state's Sabah Maju Jaya agenda to uplift coastal communities through sustainable economic activities in agriculture and fisheries. "The hybrid fish trap supplements traditional fishing methods and provides an alternative source of income without harming marine ecosystems." Present were UMS Blue Economy Research and Maritime Safety director Professor Dr Ismail Ali and and Rampayan village chief Amberen Aliamat.
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Anwar urges UMS not to expel students in Anti-Graft rally
KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) not to expel students who participated in the recent Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 rally, according to Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. Zambry stated that Anwar's directive was relayed to UMS to ensure disciplinary measures do not disrupt the students' academic progress. 'The Prime Minister called me earlier, emphasising that while mistakes may have been made, their education must not be compromised,' he said. Speaking after the 'In Person With Doc Zam' programme at UMS, Zambry highlighted Anwar's compassionate stance, noting that despite being the rally's primary target, the Prime Minister prioritised the students' future. Sabah police commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun confirmed that participants are under investigation for nine offences, including incitement and open burning. The June 21 rally, organised by Suara Mahasiswa UMS, saw protesters carrying anti-corruption placards and burning an Anwar caricature. UMS vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor previously warned that 13 students could face disciplinary action under the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU), including suspension or expulsion. Zambry reiterated that while freedom of assembly is constitutional, it must align with public safety laws. The Higher Education Ministry has left the final decision to UMS, which will proceed under existing regulations.
Malay Mail
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Anwar backs students' right to protest, tells MoHE and UMS to protect academic freedom
KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today ordered the Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to ensure students involved in the recent Gempur Rasuah 2.0 rally in Kota Kinabalu may continue their studies freely. Announcing this today, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, senior press secretary to the prime minister, said that Anwar understands that allowing dissent is an integral part of upholding democracy, given the latter's background as a student activist. 'The burning of effigies of the prime minister in Kota Kinabalu recently reminds us of the people's hope in us to eradicate corruption,' Tunku Nashrul said during a live-streamed briefing via Facebook today. '(However), we cannot sacrifice the future of our youth simply because we have differences in opinion.' This announcement came hours after two student activists reportedly linked to the rally were allegedly detained today in connection with the burning of the effigies. Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikum said on Monday that student activists involved in the rally were under investigation for allegedly not adhering to requirements set under the Peaceful Assembly Act. Meanwhile, UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Kasim Mansor previously indicated that 13 students who participated in the rally could face disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion, under the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) 1971 (Amended 2012). Organised by a student activist group called 'Suara Mahasiswa UMS,' the anti-corruption rally held last Saturday reportedly drew some 100 participants.
