PETALING JAYA, Nov 5 ― Fahmi Zainol, the student leader behind a controversial talk by Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Universiti Malaya recently,yesterday issued a bipartisan challenge for politicians to take up the fight for academic freedom.

Speaking during a forum on student activism, he outlined an eight-point plan through which this could be achieved, which include recognising universities as vital for the nation’s development.

Others include giving universities autonomy from the government, and for students to gain dominion over their own affairs and activities.

Fahmi said that while he lacked affinity for politics, he acknowledged that the goal for academic freedom will only be achieved by engaging those in the corridors of power.

“I am telling (Umno Youth chief) Khairy Jamaluddin, (PAS Youth chief) Suhaizan Kaiat and the DAP Youth chief to take a cue from us and help make these eight strategies into working policies to bring back the glory days of student activism, as how it was back in the 1970’s,” he said

According to Fahmi, the restrictions on student activism was preventing students from becoming leaders, taking aim at UM, which is pursuing disciplinary action against him for organising the unauthorised talk with Anwar.

He faces a possible suspension and fine for his role in the talk that saw students force their way into the UM compound after the university authorities sealed the grounds in a bid to prevent the event.