KUALA LUMPUR, Oct. 9 -- The government has halted disciplinary proceedings at public universities relating to freedom of speech, expression of views, public criticism and peaceful assembly with immediate effect.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Higher Education Ministry was preparing a comprehensive legal framework to replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA), covering university autonomy, academic freedom and student rights.

"With immediate effect, all disciplinary proceedings at public universities relating to freedom of speech, expression of views, public criticism and peaceful assembly have been halted," Anwar told the Parliament today during the tabling of the Budget 2027.

Enacted in 1971, AU...