MOHE LEAVES IT TO UMS ON DECISION TO DELAY CONVOCATION FOR SABAH POLLS

LUMUT, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- The Higher Education Ministry (MoHE) has no issue with Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s (UMS) decision to delay its convocation ceremony to enable students and staff to vote in the Nov 29 Sabah state election.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, 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.

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“So, the decision made by UMS is to ensure that no one can accuse them of denying the right and freedom of its students, lecturers and staff to vote on that day,” he told reporters after officiating the 2025 International Poetry and Folk Song Festival (Pulara) here last night.

UMS had announced that it was postponing its 27th Convocation Ceremony, which was originally scheduled for Nov 29, to a new date to be announced later.

In a statement, UMS 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.

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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 MoHE’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