Speaking at a youth forum here, Anwar said the amendments to the Universities and University Colleges Act had been discussed with higher education minister Khaled Nordin.

“I assure you that any provisions (in the Act) restricting the freedom of students and lecturers will be repealed,” he said.

Last Thursday, deputy higher education minister Yusof Apdal had reportedly said the government had no plans to repeal the Act but was looking to improve it instead.

Yusof said changes to Section 15 were among the proposed amendments, which once in effect would allow students to participate in politics, including becoming party members and election candidates.