Universities must grant full academic freedom, PM Anwar says

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for universities to grant students complete academic freedom, describing higher education institutions as spaces where critical and innovative thinking should flourish. Speaking on the matter, Anwar emphasised that universities serve a vital role as platforms for developing independent thought and intellectual exploration. The Prime Minister's statement reflects a broader commitment to fostering an environment conducive to open debate and scholarly inquiry within Malaysia's tertiary education sector. Universities, he stressed, must function as breeding grounds for rigorous examination of ideas and the development of fresh perspectives among the student population. The remarks come as Malaysian institutions continue to navigate their role in supporting academic freedom while maintaining institutional standards and governance frameworks.