NO student should face prosecution simply for criticising the government or the prime minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, as he called for greater freedom of expression on university campuses.
Speaking at iFUTURE 2026 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) on Sunday, Anwar said he had urged Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, his deputy Adam Adli Abd Halim and the ministry to act swiftly on provisions in AUKU that could be interpreted as restricting students’ freedom and activities.
“No one will be charged simply for their views or criticism, including if student leaders choose to criticise the prime minister. That is not a crime.
“You must stand by your respective positions, but criticising government policies is not a crime,” he said.
“That is what I mean by amending or repealing provisions that could be interpreted that way and abused,” he added.
In August, Anwar announced that the government would abolish AUKU 1971 following concerns raised by university students.
He also urged young people to take up leadership responsibilities now by speaking out against corruption, exploitation and injustice, rather than being regarded merely as leaders of the future.
“What makes you think young people are not leaders in their own right today?
“You represent both the present and the future. You must be the conscience of society today. Society today cannot tolerate corruption, exploitation or injustice, or accept them,” he said.
Anwar also warned against the use of race and religion to conceal wrongdoing, stressing that the rights of all communities must be protected.
“Criminals use race and religion to conceal their excesses and misconduct,” he said. - October 12, 2026