Digest on Malaysian News

Report from MalaysiaKini suggests that UMNO or BN may play a part in trying to control freedom to education. The government should not interfere in the administration of any university. “How can the universities achieve academic excellence when the government wants to see that the minds of academic staff are shackled and be subject to such vetting,” the former Universiti Malaya lecturer said.

via MalaysiaKini: Syed Husin: SB meddling in varsity staff vetting

Senator Dr Syed Husin Ali has condemned the alleged interference by the police special branch in the screening and vetting process over the appointment of lecturers and emeritus professors.

“This is certainly interference by the authorities not related to the administration of the university,” he said at a press conference in Parliament today.

Syed Husin (left in picture), who also said this in his motion of thanks to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong yesterday, added that the interference by the special branch is much worse and more dangerous than political interference.

“At one point of time students entering into universities were subject to 'suitability certificate' screening based on the special branch report. However, as students objected to such a practise it was discontinued.

“However, now it is known that lecturers are also vetted before they are accepted. Their names would be referred for security clearance (normally by the special branch). After the applicant has been investigated and cleared by the special branch, an offer is made. Normally the applicant's ties and political affiliation would be a reason to reject such an application,” the former academician said.

It is also a fact, alleged Syed Husin, that the special branch would also interfere in the appointment of emeritus professors.

He said such a honorific title is given to those who had served the university, or before the person retires, or based on his contributions and achievements in the academic world.

“It is known that a former professor was not given the title of emeritus professor by a renowned university as clearance was withheld by the special branch. Academic bodies in the university had agreed and recommended that the title be given to the former professor.

“However, when the proposal reached the university board and the special branch interfered, it was then rejected,” he said.

'Ministry should stop interfering'

Syed Husin called on the Higher Education Ministry to also stop interfering in the appointment of lecturers and other senior posts.

“Local universities should be independent and they should not be subject to intimidation by the police. The interference shows the level of independence practised by our universities, as Umno and BN seek to control them,” he said.

“How can the universities achieve academic excellence when the government wants to see that the minds of academic staff are shackled and be subject to such vetting,” the former Universiti Malaya lecturer said.

Syed Husin also said there is a similar practice with regard to the appointment of vice-chancellors, deans, head of departments or registrars.

“The appointment of a vice-chancellor is not done by an independent and neutral search committee to evaluate the candidates' capabilities but it is based on political acceptance. Similarly, the appointment of a dean it is not done by the academic staff of the department.

“This has resulted in the appointment by the minister of a person who is not a well-respected senior academician. In fact, the appointment of deans or heads of department who are not academically qualified as professors is questionable,” he said.

Syed Husin pointed out that as a result, the value of a person's knowledge or academic depth is not given priority and we see the academic reputation, standing and achievement of students at local universities to also be on the decline.

“What we find now is that the ruling political party has the power to influence the appointment of the university's administration. Some lecturers felt it is no use to work hard as they would not receive promotion, and the university's standards would certainly depreciate further.”