The idealism of student movements should be better understood and not be regarded merely as ‘demonstration movement’, said former deputy higher education minister, Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.

“Demonstration isn't the symbol of student movement. Student movement is about knowledge and education,” said Saifuddin, who is also the head of Global Movement of Moderates in his keynote address during a student academic freedom at the Bangi Islam Education Complex, Monday.

Themed ‘Save the Academic Freedom', the forum was held in conjunction with International Students’ Day on Nov 17.

“People seem to relate students with demonstrations and protests. Choosing academic freedom as the main theme will help show the public that student’s idealism and movement is not about demonstration.”

“Instead (the movements) talk about knowledge, quality of education and policies. They only demonstrate when they have to,” said Saifuddin.

Some 300 students participated in the forum which was organised by a group of student movement throughout Malaysia.

Panelists comprised presidents of IKRAM Siswa Marwan Abdullah, Persatuan Kebangsaan Pelajar Islam Malaysia (PKPIM) Mohammad Fazril Mohd Saleh, Persatuan Mahasiswa Universiti Malaya (PMUM) Fahmi Zainol and representative of Gabungan Mahasiswa Islam SeMalaysia (GAMIS) Mohd Imran Md Ishak.

Also present were the representatives of Malaysian Youth & Students Democratic Movements (DEMA) and Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia (SMM).

student movement
(from left) Fahmi Zainol, Marwan Abdullah, moderator and Malaysian Youth Parliament member Muhammad Fikri Ahmad, Mohammad Fazril Mohd Saleh and Mohd Imran Md Ishak at the forum - Photo by Astro Awani

The groups had recently launched a campaign “Solidarity of World Students Campaign in conjunction with the International Students’ Day” aimed at providing awareness on oppression against students in Malaysia and throughout the world. The Facebook page channels information on the campaign through posters, writings and posts.

Citing a recent incident where eight University Malaya (UM) students were charged for inviting an opposition figure for a speech on October 27, the groups said oppression on academic freedom in Malaysia is a growing concern for many students around the world.