Kuala lumpur: 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, stated that the measure also considers decisions at the legislative level related to university regulations, particularly involving student freedom.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Zambry explained that if any cases of wrongdoing are found at the Student Affairs Department (Hal Ehwal Pelajar - HEP) level, appropriate 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 mentioned to reporters at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) Convocation Hall.

He was speaking after the Kembara KARISMA Pemimpin Muda MADANI (Zon Timur) Tahun 2026 programme, which gathered 500 young lecturers and administrators from higher education institutions (IPTs) in Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan. Regarding whether the changes also involve private IPTs, Zambry noted that the matter needs examination due to different laws, including the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996 (Act 555).

However, he expressed hope 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 stated that students facing disciplinary action for criticising him and the government should be absolved of related offences.

The move aligns with the spirit of repealing the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) 1971, recently announced by the Prime Minister. The release from the offence is intended to be immediate, given the anticipated delay in amending the AUKU. However, Anwar clarified that the release would not apply to cases under the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) criminal law.