Dr. Azmi Sharom, being the first academician to be charged for sedition in the country’s 57 year history has ignited a movement in solidarity with the law professor. to defend academic freedom and to call for the repeal of the Sedition Act.

The campaign, called the “Solidarity4AzmiSharom” was launched on 2 September 2014 invoking the support academicians and students from the University of Malaya.

Several student bodies have pledged support for the campaign including the University of Malaya Student Union (PMUM), Progressive University of Malaya, Pro-Mahasiswa UM, Persatuan Mahasiswa Islam Universiti Malaya.

Several lecturers including Economics Faculty lecturer Dr Lee Hwok Aun and Science Faculty lecturer Dr Rosli H. Mahat have also expressed their support for the campaign. The group will stage a protest to carry the important message of academic freedom and freedom of speech for academics and students.

According to the campaign coordinator Vince Tan, the protest is set for next Wednesday, 10 September, at 1pm at the Main Bus Stop of Universiti Malaya, which was once the ‘Old Speakers Corner’ of the university.

“The three key principles of this campaign would be, first, to call on fellow academicians and students to come together to support Dr Azmi Sharom and send a message that we are against his sedition charge.”

“Second, we would like to use this opportunity to defend our academic freedom be it for academicians or students.”

“Third, we call for the abolishment of the Sedition Act which is long overdue from the promise of Prime Minister Najib Razak to abolish it,” said Tan.

He called on all students of UM to rally in support for the campaign to uphold the democratic principles of the nation through academia.

“We would also like to welcome anyone who wants to join in this movement and defend the freedom of speech of academicians and the academic freedom in this country,” he said, inviting the public to support the cause.

Damansara Utama State Assemblyperson Yeo Bee Yin has also expressed support for the group on social media, applauding the UM student groups for being courageous in organizing the rally.

“Young people, don’t be afraid to do what is right. Join the rally. I am sure many years after this, you are going to look back on life and say, at least I made my voice heard, I walked the talk and I stood by justice and freedom,” she said on Facebook.

She also added that a few of her colleagues will be joining her to attend the protest. -The Rocket