MOHE Assures Continued Support For Student Freedom of Expression

KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- 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 said the ministry’s commitment to protecting students’ right to speak is non-negotiable, even in the face of differing opinions or disagreements.

“These spaces are important to help students mature through exposure to diverse ideas and academic discourse.

“The ministry also hopes that students active in public discussions will involve more participants so that such engagements become more open, balanced and effective,” he told reporters after attending the Universiti Malaya (UM) Quality Day here today.

He was responding to queries on a forum on integrity and corruption organised by several UM student groups last night, which was reportedly halted by police.

Adam said that while MoHE guarantees undergraduates’ freedom of expression, their representatives should also coordinate with university administration to ensure the smooth running of activities.

“We stand with undergraduates and will continue to find ways to ensure that programmes held safeguard their right to debate, speak and engage in discussions.

“We want these forums and spaces for interaction to become part of an open culture, not limited to undergraduate movements alone, so that more platforms can be created,” he said.

UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said the university administration has never prevented the organisation of undergraduate forums or discussion spaces on campus.

“If it is a constructive discussion and held at an appropriate venue, we will not cancel it. However, applications must be made in accordance with university procedures,” he said.

-- BERNAMA