Berani dalam Benar: Time to get serious on the appointment of Vice Chancellors in the spirit of the Royal Address
The Royal Address during the current parliamentary session is overwhelming in that it is rather comprehensive. Politicking and political interference have been a 'staple' in Malaysia as a way of life is being called to order. Even the parliamentary debates (if we can call it by that definition) is no different. Thus, the statement by His Majesty is not only timely but appropriate. To this His Majesty expressed his dissatisfaction with "parliamentary efficiency," reportedly adding that he felt "ashamed of the behaviours of some MPs." It is noteworthy that His Majesty "called upon the government machinery to improve its integrity and efficiency of work ethics," including "systems which involve excessive red tape."
On this point, education and the educational sector cannot be excluded. A good case in point seems to be the most recent issue in one of the most established universities where the Vice Chancellor abruptly announced that he is relinquishing his position with immediate effect. The reason why is still vague, despite a police report allegedly launched. The resignation was confirmed by the Ministry of Higher Education without so much as raising any disagreement as to unexpected events. In other words, there perhaps may be some evidence in what has been speculated involving various parties. As to how this will develop ensuing the police report remains to be seen.
Nevertheless, there are already voices heard urging that the appointment of the successor must be transparent and with rigorous academic decorum to ensure that all processes are above politics and political biases, usually masked by excessive red tape that the Royal Address was referring to. Although the same has been mentioned many times before, to no avail. How sure that this time it will not be repeated is anybody’s guess. Here is where the Royal Address comes in handy and must instantly comply. It is not that there are no viable, tried and tested procedures to be adopted and implemented, rather there is lack of political will and integrity as His Majesty correctly highlighted. So much so that appointments of high to higher places are often suspected to be tainted with partisan politics! AKEPT or the Higher Education Leadership Academy created to play a lead role is no longer "leading" due to political patronage and pressure to "follow" like the "yes-minister" stooge in the popular British comedy. At once putting the "efficiency" of AKEPT to question like what was implied in the Royal Address. For example, a not too long ago, the appointment of one VC was suspended after being officially appointed by the then minister. In another case, delaying the appointment of as many as five VCs has caused much concern all round. Similar occurrences are gradually becoming enculturated over time, unless a major shift persists in bringing back a robust academically ethical process to root integrity as part of education as spelt out in the Falsafah Pendidikan Kebangsaan, 1996.
Moreover, as it stands today, in accordance with the University and University Colleges Act 1971 (UUCA, also known as AUKU) the minister-in-charge has the power to appoint Vice Chancellors in public universities. Unlike private universities, it openly demonstrates grave double standards between the two despite being under one Ministry and the same Minister. And it is no surprise that many candidates from the public sector were made Vice Chancellors or Presidents in the private sector (even today) with much success as compared to their counterparts in the public sectors! It tends to point to the system rather than the individuals, especially when the former is being politicised, deprived of the much-needed autonomy by UUCA for more than half a century. In fact, as late as March 2023, the government informed the parliament that it had "no plans to abolish the UUCA" when the issue was raised then. Especially in the context of providing universities their rights to institutional autonomy which the private sectors as well the foreign branch campuses enjoyed with good outcomes.
It is noteworthy to point out that the first Malaysian Vice Chancellor appointed to replace Dr J H E Griffiths in 1968, has been quoted to insist on autonomy as practiced by his predecessors. Unfortunately, with the implementation of UUCA, universities are reduced to “glorified high schools” subjected to even more ministerial red tapes, including academic decisions on the awards of honorary doctorates! Hence, under the circumstances, in tandem with the spirit of the Royal Address, it is time that all Vice Chancellors be appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and be made directly responsible to the Parliament. This will invariably cut out much of the politicking and bring back the "Golden Age" of the days gone by.