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LUMUT: The Higher Education Ministry has no issue with Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s (UMS) decision to move its convocation ceremony to enable students and staff to vote in the Nov 29 Sabah state election.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir (pic) said the university’s decision was appropriate.
"Usually, the ministry does not interfere in matters related to a university’s convocation schedule, as it is under its jurisdiction.
"In this case, one of the convocation days coincides with polling day.
"So, the decision by UMS is to ensure that no one can accuse it of denying the right and freedom of its students, lecturers and staff to vote,” he told reporters after officiating the 2025 International Poetry and Folk Song Festival (Pulara) here on Saturday (Oct 25) night.
ALSO READ: UMS brings forward first two convocation sessions to Nov 28
UMS had announced last week that it was bringing forward one day of its 27th Convocation Ceremony, which was originally scheduled for Nov 29, to Nov 28. The convocation programme scheduled for Nov 30 and Dec 1 would remain as planned, it added.
In a statement, it said the decision was made out of respect and to give space to all members of the university community, graduates and the public to fulfil their civic duty as voters.
In another development, Zambry said Malaysia is in the process of developing a new curriculum in the field of Planetary Health, which connects human health with the health of the planet.
He said Malaysia would be the first Asean country to introduce the field, spearheaded by the National Planetary Health Action Plan (PTKPN) group.
"This is a new field being developed. A few days ago, the group held a meeting and will soon present a major proposal. This is part of the ministry's involvement,” he said.
On Oct 8, Malaysia received international recognition at the 2025 Planetary Health Annual Meeting (PHAM) in Rotterdam through PTKPN, which outlines the nation’s direction towards environmental sustainability and a healthier society. – Bernama
