COMMENT | The recent decision by Universiti Malaya (UM), Malaysia’s oldest university, to cancel a student-organised documentary screening and forum on assembly rights illustrates a worrying narrowing of academic space.

When the student collectives Mandiri and Liga Mahasiswa tried to examine the practical and civic significance of the Peaceful Assembly Act, administrators abruptly pulled the plug, citing vague concerns about “security and public order”.

Student organisers framed the move not merely as an isolated act of censorship but as symptomatic of a deeper institutional reluctance to accommodate critical engagement.

Their response was uncompromising. Describing the cancellation as “a blatant violation of academic freedom and freedom of expression,” the students demanded assurances that neither participants nor speakers would face disciplinary repercussions and urged the university to reaffirm its commitment to open dialogue.

The incident quickly drew national attention. PKR Youth called on the Higher Education Ministry to investigate, pointing out that students should not be denied the opportunity to debate public issues in a civil, accountable setting.

Unfortunately, the episode is not unique.