Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir has issued a warning about politics on campus. Bernama's latest headlines quote him as saying that university students should not be used as tools or victims of political propaganda. I have only seen the headline, so I do not know what prompted the remark or whether it relates to a particular incident.
University students have often been politically active in Malaysia, and the rules on campus political activity have changed over the years. Some argue that students should be free to discuss and take part in politics, as young adults who can vote at 18, while others worry that they can be manipulated by outside groups or face disciplinary consequences. The minister's phrasing suggests concern about students being used by others, not about the students' own views.
The statement comes as the Melaka state election approaches, when political activity is likely to increase, and shortly after reports of a cyberbullying case involving a student at Universiti Malaya. Whether the remarks are connected to either is not stated in the headline. Readers should look for the full context before drawing conclusions.
For students, a practical approach is to check information before sharing it, to understand what organisations they are joining and to know their rights and responsibilities under university rules and the law. For universities, clear guidelines and open discussion can help young people engage responsibly. Parents may also want to talk with their children about political participation and online behaviour. Watch for any further explanation from the ministry and for reactions from student groups and academics.
