Kuala lumpur: The Higher Education Ministry (MoHE) has assured that it will continue to safeguard and uphold spaces for undergraduates to engage in discussions, debate, and express their views through university platforms. Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim emphasized that the ministry's commitment to protecting students' right to speak is non-negotiable, even in the face of differing opinions or disagreements.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Adam Adli Abdul Halim highlighted the importance of these spaces in helping students mature through exposure to diverse ideas and academic discourse. He expressed the ministry's hope that students active in public discussions will involve more participants, ensuring such engagements become more open, balanced, and effective. These remarks were made in response to queries about a forum on integrity and corruption organized by several Universiti Malaya (UM) student groups, which was reportedly halted by police.

Adam further stated that while MoHE guarantees undergraduates' freedom of expression, their representatives should also coordinate with university administration to ensure the smooth running of activities. He assured that the ministry stands with undergraduates and is committed to finding ways to safeguard their right to debate, speak, and engage in discussions. The aim is to cultivate an open culture where forums and interaction spaces are not limited to undergraduate movements alone, thereby creating more platforms.

UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman commented that the university administration has never prevented the organization of undergraduate forums or discussion spaces on campus. He reiterated that if a discussion is constructive and held at an appropriate venue, it will not be canceled, provided that applications are made in accordance with university procedures.