Discuss bill first

GERAK, a registered society that has been actively supported by academic staff associations and unions of all public institutions of higher learning, feels that for Malaysian universities to improve to “world class” standards, the following elements must be in place. It is also unclear if the Minister has the final discretion over the choice of VC.

• Academic freedom for staff to teach, conduct research and disseminate research findings and opinions, without fear or favour
• Student autonomy to associate and express opinions in a free and open manner in order to expand their intellectual and social horizons.
• A university culture based on intellectual integrity and academic merit.
• Autonomy of universities to make decisions in the best interest of academia and society and not political interests.

Gerak is pleased that the Ministry of Higher Education Ministry has started the process of amending the University and University Colleges Act (UCCA).