I WOULD like to refer to YB Dr Maszlee Malik’s Facebook posting yesterday on “Perlantikan Politik Besar-Besaran di Universiti Awam” (Mass Political Appointment at Public University). The article reported that there are at present more than 30 political appointees in public universities.

The article also raised the issue of the appointment of politically linked appointees to the board of directors (BoD) of public universities by the current administration. In doing so, the current administration has been accused of abandoning the policy of the previous administration of appointing apolitical academic and corporate professionals to the job.

As stipulated in the constitutions of most public universities, as outlined in the First Schedule of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, the BoD serves as the governing, policy making and supervisory body of the university.

The members of the BoD, as required by the constitution, are selected from among personalities of credible standing and from a range of backgrounds. They provide the university with the wealth of knowledge and experience in their respective fields, which are to be put to good use to steer the university in the direction consistent with the requirements of the university’s charter and constitution. 

With the appointment of politically linked members, this expectation, however, could not be properly fulfilled.

Disregarding the guidelines provided, members of the BoD are appointed based on the consideration of their ability to pursue the agenda of the government of the day. They are, in most cases, also not well versed with the university’s constitution, best practices, administrative, and academic landscape and culture.

Compounding the situation, and perhaps overawed by the presence of politically powerful personalities in the BoD, the top management of the university would readily accede to the demands of the board even though some of these demands overly exceeded the scope of the authority of the board.

From here on the process of exerting political control over the university begins. Some went to the extent of micro-managing the university’s administration, such as meddling with promotion exercise, extension of contracts, appointment of administrative posts as well as recruitment of new staff.   

With political agenda being on top of their minds, other agendas will be consigned to a lower level of priority. The onerous task of having to work out the proper strategy to raise the stature of the university is no longer a pressing issue.

Meetings were known to be held in some exotic locations or five-star hotels, to be accompanied by a round of golf before coming to their conclusion. These meetings cost a lot of money, something that universities could ill afford given the fact that lecturers, especially the junior ones, are struggling to acquire funding for their research and other academic activities.

The ineptitude of the BoD had given rise to scepticism among the academics of the viability of conferring more authority to the board members in determining the strategic direction and the administration of the university.
 
During the Pakatan Harapan administration, this idea was mooted out. Thankfully, it was not implemented.

Any effort by the powers that to be introduce changes must be preceded by a thorough examination of the true situation on the ground. Basic issues such as the competency of the members of the BoD must be scrutinised and not be taken for granted. Powers in the hands of the incompetent is dangerous and could inflict severe damage to our higher education system. 

While placing politically connected personalities in the universities BoD is not a desirable move, the placing of incompetent personalities, regardless of their background, is equally undesirable. Let alone conferring them with authorities which they cannot competently and responsibly handle, resulting in the dire consequence on the part of the academics and students alike. 

The key to preserving the integrity of our universities is not just in keeping the politicians out of the system, but also in getting the right people into the system. – June 29, 2021.

* Teh Yik Koon reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.