Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the necessity for university students to have full freedom without restrictions that could impede their activities or prevent them from expressing their views. He highlighted this as critical to ensuring that universities once again become platforms for critical thinking and innovative perspectives to address contemporary educational challenges.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stated that university managements and the relevant ministry must recognize the importance of granting students full freedom to cultivate a more dynamic intellectual culture. He remarked, "We must accept that university students should be given full freedom without restrictions that hinder their activities. Whether we agree or disagree is another matter...we can debate and challenge students to defend their arguments. But universities must be a platform for critical and fresh thinking," during his speech at the Malaysia MADANI Scholars Forum Series 13 at Dewan Tunku Canselor, Universiti Malaya.

In his capacity as forum moderator, the Prime Minister also instructed that any disciplinary measures taken against students solely for voicing criticism or academic opinions be retracted immediately. The government, he asserted, is resolute that university students and academics should enjoy full freedom without restrictions. Anwar added, "If students have been subjected to disciplinary action simply because of their views or criticisms, including criticism of the Prime Minister, such action should be withdrawn starting tomorrow. If it is a police case, yes...that is a different matter."

However, Anwar clarified that such freedoms do not permit students to act unlawfully or damage public property. He stated, "You can voice your cause, but you cannot cause disruption or damage public property. Do not misunderstand what we mean by freedom. If you want to voice your views, express your opinions or submit a memorandum...that is welcomed."

Addressing discussions on improving the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU), Anwar asserted that any amendments should not be used to consolidate government or ministerial power. Instead, he conveyed the government's readiness to decentralize powers within the ministry to grant universities greater flexibility and more administrative and academic autonomy.

The forum, themed 'The Future of National Education and the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU)', featured prominent figures including Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek, and Academy of Sciences Malaysia president Tengku Datuk Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen as panellists.