KPT takes follow-up steps after PM Anwar’s directive to absolve students disciplined for criticism, as AUKU repeal process continues.
PEKAN: The Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) has taken necessary follow-up steps following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s directive regarding disciplinary actions against students who violate university regulations.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, said that the measure also takes into account matters that have been decided at the legislative level and related to university regulations, particularly involving student freedom.
“It includes several matters. If any cases of wrongdoing are found at the Student Affairs Department (Hal Ehwal Pelajar – HEP) level, then those measures need to be taken.
“Today, all vice-chancellors have held a meeting with the director-general (Higher Education) and a statement will be issued (later),” he said to reporters at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) Convocation Hall here yesterday.
He was speaking after the Kembara KARISMA Pemimpin Muda MADANI (Zon Timur) Tahun 2026 programme, which gathered 500 young lecturers and administrators, aged 40 and below, from higher education institutions (IPTs) in Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.
Regarding whether the changes also involve private IPTs, Zambry said the matter needs to be examined because IPTs are subject to different laws, including the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996 (Act 555).
However, he hopes that IPTS, especially state-owned or state-related educational institutions, can cooperate and implement the same changes.
At the Malaysia Madani Intellectual Forum Series 13 yesterday, Anwar said all students who faced disciplinary action for criticising him and the government should be absolved of related offences.
The move was in line with the spirit of the repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) 1971 announced by the Prime Minister recently.
He was reported to have said that the step to release the students from the offence needs to be taken immediately because the amendment to the AUKU is expected to take a longer time.
However, he said, the release from the offence would not involve cases under the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) criminal law.