Kuala lumpur: Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir today reaffirmed the government's commitment to safeguarding academic freedom and fostering intellectual discourse.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Zambry emphasized that institutions of higher learning will remain as spaces where diverse ideas can be debated openly, respectfully, and responsibly, allowing knowledge to be advanced through dialogue across borders, disciplines, and perspectives. He made these remarks during his welcoming speech at a public lecture titled "Muslim Identity in a Globalised World" by Columbia University's Prof Dr Joseph A. Massad.

Dr Zambry highlighted the importance of academic freedom carrying with it intellectual responsibility, stating, "We encourage robust debate conducted with civility, evidence, and respect for differing views." He noted that Malaysia's plural and multicultural society underscores the need for informed dialogue and mutual understanding through scholarly engagement.

While acknowledging that differing opinions are inevitable, especially in the age of artificial intelligence and social media, Dr Zambry pointed out that Malaysians have long embraced the principle of respecting different views. "We agree to disagree. We disagree on many things, but we also agree on many things," he remarked.

Dr Zambry also mentioned that the Higher Education Ministry would continue to welcome distinguished scholars from around the world as part of its efforts to enhance Malaysia's higher education ecosystem and promote the exchange of ideas on issues of global significance.