It's Unreasonable to Abolish AUKU But 'Scare' Students With Other Laws - Muda

The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) is calling for the complete abolition of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU), urging Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to fulfill his promise. Muda's Youth Network Bureau Chief, Adom Teh, stated that the repeal must go beyond a mere political pledge and ensure that students are not stifled by other existing laws that could create a climate of fear.

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Muda appreciates the government's willingness to abolish AUKU. However, willingness alone is not enough. The abolition of AUKU must be brought to Parliament and passed. As long as this matter has not been implemented, I do not consider this reform process to be complete. We will wait for the implementation, not just listen to announcements.

"Muda appreciates the government's willingness to abolish AUKU. However, willingness alone is not enough. The abolition of AUKU must be brought to Parliament and passed. As long as this matter has not been implemented, I do not consider this reform process to be complete. We will wait for the implementation, not just listen to announcements," Adom Teh said in a statement.

Teh further elaborated that abolishing AUKU would be insufficient if students continue to face pressure or action under other legislation. He specifically cited the use of Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 against students for expressing their views. Muda believes that it is contradictory to abolish one law restricting students while allowing others to be used against them.

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It is not appropriate to abolish one law that restricts students, but at the same time allow other laws to be used. I believe in student autonomy and comprehensive freedom of speech, including the right of students to associate, engage in politics, criticize the government, criticize universities, and express views on societal issues.

Muda advocates for comprehensive student autonomy and freedom of speech. This includes the right for students to associate, engage in politics, criticize the government and universities, and voice opinions on societal issues. The party asserts that genuine democracy entails students having the freedom to disagree and challenge authorities, not just when their views align with the government's.

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Student freedom should not only be granted when their voices align with the government. True democracy means students are also free to disagree and criticize the authorities.