KUALA LUMPUR: The higher education overhaul must give academics greater freedom to speak and protect them from undue interference, said scholars ahead of the planned repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU).

Universiti Utara Malaysia deputy vice-chancellor Professor Dr Azizudin Md Sani said the move presented an opportunity to strengthen academic freedom and clarify lecturers' roles in contributing to public discourse.

Azizudin, a political analyst, said academics should be able to discuss current affairs, including sensitive subjects, without restrictions, provided their views were grounded in expertise.

"As a political scientist, commenting on current affairs is within my field. If I do not speak, who else will?"