Higher Education Ministry: Haim Hilman's tenure as UUM VC cut short based on performance report

PUTRAJAYA: The tenure of Dr Haim Hilman Abdullah as Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) vice-chancellor of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) was cut short due to a report on his performance by the university's board of directors, says the Higher Education Ministry.

The ministry, in a statement on Saturday (July 29) denied Haim Hilman's claim on social media on the matter, saying that Haim Hilman's performance report was submitted through a letter dated June 16, 2022.

Haim Hilman was appointed as UUM's ninth vice chancellor on Jan 17, 2022, and his service period was shortened to Jan 18, 2023.

"Before the decision to shorten his service was made, a committee was established at ministry level to examine and evaluate the report," read the statement.

On Sept 23 and 29 last year, Haim Hilman and some top UUM officials were summoned by the KPT to discuss the matter and find a suitable solution.

A viral TikTok video showed Haim Hilman claiming that his tenure as UUM vice-chancellor was terminated without explanation and he was not given the opportunity to defend himself.

It was reported that he made these statements during the "Sembang Santai Calon" programme in the Jitra state constituency in Kedah.

Haim Hilman, 50, is the Perikatan Nasional candidate for Jitra.

On Feb 6 this year, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that the decision to end Haim Hilman's tenure as UUM vice-chancellor was based on complaints received from lecturers at the university and its board of directors last year. – Bernama