THE sporadic reports on academics caught plagiarising are nauseating, the latest being a deputy dean of Universiti Malaysia Kelantan. Plagiarism is a very serious offence in academia. Punishment for undergraduates is forfeiture of a semester or two. For academics, it is grounds for dismissal. Otherwise, it will compromise integrity and the code of honour.

Peers in academia have described plagiarism as a cardinal sin, academic high treason, an unpardonable theft. Such is the fervent jealousy to protect the integrity of their institution, and rightfully so, as academics are seen as role models to society.

A quick check of published articles in cyberspace indicates that plagiarism is rife among our undergraduates and academics, but seldom publicly acknowledged. Discussion on the endemic problem has been exclusive. Only occasionally, an academic would make some public criticism.

The lack of acknowledgment of, or even condoning, plagiarism in our Malaysian context is reflective of a value system that is tolerant of cheating, mediocrity, incompetency, using or even sabotaging others to gain favour and ascend one’s position.

In many ways, decadence in academia is a microcosm of overall corruption and bad governance ascribed in the superlatives of our nation governed by the previous administration. Even though it is pale in comparison to the national rot, it receives tacit encouragement that dishonesty and cheating is a norm to succeed.

Abhorrence of plagiarism is either officially silent or not strong enough to deter. These, plus seeing politicians getting away with corrupt acts, encourage a horde mentality among those with a weak academic foundation to cheat.

The foundational knowledge to assist one in writing, reviewing and appraising a scientific paper begins during the formative undergraduate years, along with the academic integrity instilled in the mind early. It includes simple essay writing following the structure and construct of a scientific paper.

At the master’s level, terminologies and the language used in research are taught. Skills in scientific paper writing have to be mastered, besides research methodology. Some courses at the master’s level require research to be conducted as a precondition to graduation. At the PhD level, there is no more teaching. A PhD student is fully on his/her own, and research is conducted with the guidance of supervisors, culminating in thesis writing.

If one is well trained at an early stage, and builds up a strong foundational knowledge at the undergraduate level, then, at the master’s and PhD levels, research and writing scientific papers need not be cumbersome. It can be a joy, and may even accord bragging rights when one’s work is published in a prestigious peer-reviewed international journal.

There is no shortcut to the pinnacle of academic success, and ultimately earning those bragging rights. Once mastered, research and publishing papers can be rewarding and emotionally satisfying.

One of the main criteria for a university to gain international standing is the quantity and quality of publication. The dictum “publish or perish” applies globally. This challenges academics aspiring for promotion to publish.

If one is not well grounded at the undergraduate and master’s levels, one will find it almost impossible to publish any paper. Even when a paper has been written, it is uncertain of being published, as the rejection rate from journal publishers is high. Professors and senior academics often get their papers rejected, too. Pressured to write and publish, an academic without a strong foundation will be highly tempted to plagiarise the work of others.

To root out plagiarism in academia, universities and institutions of higher learning have to ensure a high professional teaching standard at the undergraduate and master’s levels. Reform and transform the education system to guide students to think and analyse objectively. The promotion of academic staff has to be strictly based on merit. – June 21, 2018.

* Captain Dr Wong Ang Peng is a researcher with an interest in economics, politics, and health issues. He has a burning desire to do anything within his means to promote national harmony. Captain Wong is also a member of the National Patriots Association.

* 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.