Anwar: Colonial‑era laws curbing student freedom must be abolished to realise true independence

Colonial-era laws restricting students’ freedom should be abolished to allow the true meaning of independence to be fully realised, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. — Bernama pic

First Published: Saturday, 29 Aug 2026 7:18 PM MYT

PERMATANG PAUH, Aug 29 — Colonial-era laws restricting students’ freedom should be abolished to allow the true meaning of independence to be fully realised, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

He said university students should have more freedom to voice their views and take part in activities, as they would play a key role in shaping the country’s future.

“That is why I announced last week that we would abolish university laws that restrict student activities. Older people are not always right either, so we should not prevent young people from speaking out or taking part in activities just because they make mistakes. They need to be given space.

“Freedom does not mean there should be no limits. This is a country governed by the rule of law. But I do not agree with adding laws to restrict or intimidate university students. This is an independent country, and laws inherited from the colonial past must be abolished,” he said.

He was speaking at the 2026 Sahabat MADANI Merdeka Eve programme at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Penang Branch in Permatang Pauh today.

He said young people should be trusted to put forward their views and ideas, with mistakes addressed through the appropriate channels where necessary.

The Prime Minister said the approach would help develop a younger generation that could express themselves confidently, act responsibly and contribute to Malaysia’s development as an independent nation.

Anwar said independence meant more than freedom from physical colonisation, it also meant giving people the space to determine the country’s own future.

He said young people should learn from the history of the struggle for independence and build on it by helping Malaysia achieve greater progress and earn greater respect internationally. — Bernama