Kuala Lampur, March 29 -- As part of the academic community, academic freedom holds a profound significance for me.

Regrettably, for many scholars, the importance of academic freedom often goes overlooked until its absence becomes glaringly apparent.

This oversight is particularly concerning in disciplines like international relations and political science, where the exploration of contentious issues is common.

The significance of academic freedom in these fields cannot be overstated.

International relations and political science scholars navigate complex and sensitive subjects, including intergovernmental relations and geopolitical tensions.

Yet, despite its importance, academic freedom faces mounting challenges, both from internal ...