OUTGOING Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) board chairman Syed Razlan Syed Putra Jamalullail was removed due to “professional considerations”, the Education Ministry said today.

His replacement by former Universiti Malaya vice-chancellor Ghauth Jasmon is part of efforts to help UPM break into the top 100 world’s best universities in two years’ time, the ministry said in a statement today.

“Ghauth Jasmon’s appointment is part of achieving UPM’s target to be among the top 100 best universities in the world, in two years.

“The ministry is of the view that he is the best person to lead this effort based on his reputation in having managed university administrations previously, especially his success as UM vice-chancellor.

“This decision is taken after considering the views of several parties in UPM, including university grassroots.”

The ministry was responding to The Malaysian Insight’s report that Syed Razlan was removed just as he began investigating allegations of misconduct among UPM’s top management.

Syed Razlan, who was appointed as UPM board chairman last October for a three-year period, was issued a termination letter dated July 17 that was signed by Education Minister Maszlee Malik.

The ministry’s statement did not address the investigations.

Syed Razlan also did not elaborate to The Malaysian Insight about the investigation except to say that he had been “following orders from the Higher Education Department based on a report I received in April”.

The ministry today said it decided to terminate Syed Razlan’s contract based on “professional considerations in the interest of UPM”.

“The ministry values the contributions of Syed Razlan and thanks him for his service.”

Gauth will take over from Syed Razlan effective August 19.

In the current QS World University Rankings, UPM is ranked 202.

In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2019, UPM is placed in the 801-1000 segment. – August 4, 2019.