Latest news with #UniversitiesandUniversityCollegesAct
New Straits Times
2 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 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.
