Also known as intellectual, scientific or individual freedom, academic freedom is defined as the freedom of professionals and students to question and to propose new thoughts and unpopular suggestions to the government without jeopardizing their work or privileges accorded by the institutions. Academic freedom is a refuge of intellectual individualism (Hofstadter 1995). It has been observed that since the medieval intellectual tradition universities were seen as minor-ecclesiastical institutions in society and were locked out in leadership decisions and the religious institutions were given more authority in governance; this undermined academic freedom immensely. In many countries, academic freedom is undermined and is not secure from the government’s pressure. In countries like Malaysia, Egypt, Hong Kong, Serbia and Singapore, the government has outlawed the research and publication of certain materials. Several authors and scholars have taken interest in learning academic freedom and have come up with different opinions about the subject; here are some of the writings from different authors: Russell, C., 1993, Academic Freedom , Routledge. New Fatter Lane, London. Russell was a British historian and politician and was a Professor of British history at King’s College London till 2003. Russell wrote this book from a liberal democratic dimension with an intention to contribute to the task of sorting out the terms and conditions of cooperation between the government and other institutions of higher learning. Russell (1993) notes that all professions are under one government and is impossible for every professional to elect his or her own government, thus the government should recognize areas of independent professional judgment, along which it should not interfere under all grounds. Russell urges the government should go back to the medieval idea of ‘liberty’, where the state did not meddle into the internal affairs of institutions. Russell quotes that the government by consent is a tender plant that the people can uproot at their will. The main principle of a legit government should be to lead the people within their consent. This source acknowledges that academic freedom is a manifestation of freedom of thought and expression which ought to be respected (Russell 1993). Altbach, P., 2001, Academic Freedom: International realities and challenges , Springer Publishers, New York. Altbach is an associate Professor at the Institute of Higher Education at Peking University. Just like Russell, Altbach recognizes academic freedom as the canon of higher education, due to its influence to professions in all dimensions of academic work. This reference claims that for the academic fraternity influences and directs the flow of information; it finds itself as a target for public vilification from external influential institutions (Altbach 2001). In contrast to Russell (1993) idea of democratic development of academic freedom, Altbach argues that there has been a gradual increase in professional specialization and thus faculties are not well educated in freedom. Instead the students should not be taught general collegiate education only but also be taught the value and essence of general and academic freedom. Hofstadter, R., 1995, Academic freedom in the age of the college