KUALA LUMPUR: The decision to halt disciplinary proceedings against public university students over freedom of speech, expression, public criticism and peaceful assembly is a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to protecting students' rights, says Adam Adli Abdul Halim.
The Deputy Higher Education Minister said the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of Budget 2027 was an important step towards ensuring that university authorities did not suppress freedom of expression.
“Secondly, this shows the importance of our efforts to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku), so a new, better and more comprehensive law that better supports these principles can be introduced as soon as possible,” he said at Parliament after the tabling of Budget 2027 on Friday (Oct 9).
Adam said the issue was not about whether the Government wanted to give students freedom or control them, but about the conduct and principles upheld by the authorities.
“The government’s responsibility is to ensure that our policies do not suppress freedom of expression. That is all,” he said.
He added that this responsibility extended to authorities at universities, ministries and government level, rather than the government dictating how students should behave.
On education loan repayments, Adam praised Budget 2027’s extension of financial relief to borrowers, which would benefit more than 400,000 people in need.
He said borrowers earning RM2,500 and below would have their repayments deferred, while those earning below RM3,000 would be subject to a minimum monthly payment of RM50.
Adam also highlighted a 10% discount for borrowers who made repayments without falling into arrears.
“This provides some financial flexibility for graduates who are just starting their careers and beginning their lives,” he said.
He said borrowers would not need to settle their loans in full or make lump-sum payments to qualify, but could instead make regular monthly payments at an affordable amount.
The detailed mechanism for the discount would be announced later, he added.
