Budget 2027: Government halts public university disciplinary proceedings relating to free speech

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 — The government has halted disciplinary proceedings at public universities relating to freedom of speech, expression of views, public criticism and peaceful assembly with immediate effect.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Higher Education Ministry was preparing a comprehensive legal framework to replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA), covering university autonomy, academic freedom and student rights.

“With immediate effect, all disciplinary proceedings at public universities relating to freedom of speech, expression of views, public criticism and peaceful assembly have been halted,” Anwar told the Parliament today during the tabling of the Budget 2027.

Enacted in 1971, AUKU provides the legal framework for the establishment, administration and governance of public universities. It has long faced criticism over restrictions on student activism and political participation.

The Act was tightened through amendments in 1975 following a wave of student activism, giving university authorities greater powers over student activities and disciplinary action.

Subsequent amendments relaxed some restrictions. Changes in 2012 allowed students to participate in political party activities outside campus, while amendments in 2024 transferred disciplinary decisions involving public university students from vice-chancellors to student disciplinary committees.

Despite these changes, student groups continued to call for the Act’s repeal, arguing that it restricted student freedom and participation in public affairs.

Anwar announced in August that the government would repeal AUKU, assuring students that the move would not be followed by new laws that similarly restrict student movements.

The Higher Education Ministry subsequently announced that disciplinary proceedings at public universities relating to freedom of expression, public criticism and peaceful assembly would be stopped immediately while work on the new legal framework continued.

However, the ministry said cases involving violence, vandalism, criminal offences, academic misconduct and breaches of legitimate disciplinary rules would remain subject to existing laws and regulations.