MOHE MUST CONSISTENTLY SUPPORT REFORM EFFORTS AT UKM - TUANKU MUHRIZ

BANGI, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- The Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir has called on the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to consistently support reform efforts at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

His Royal Highness, who is also UKM’s chancellor, said this includes expediting the appointment of senior management, particularly members of the university’s board of directors and the deputy vice-chancellors.

“The appointment of university senior management must involve qualified and responsible candidates.

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“Leaders involved in misconduct are not fit to administer a university, especially UKM, which upholds the philosophy of knowledge, quality and morality,” he said in his address at UKM’s 53rd Convocation Ceremony here today.

He added that UKM plays an important role as a catalyst for change through quality education, high-impact research and sustainable community service, including expanding its international network via academic collaborations with The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Aberystwyth University.

“I am also proud that UKM now has two teaching hospitals, the Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) as well as Hospital Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani, the children’s specialist hospital I recently officiated.

He said to sustain the excellence achieved, UKM must continue to be led by individuals of high integrity and trustworthiness. The success attained will be destroyed if university administrators exploit their positions for personal gain.

Tuanku Muhriz also expressed serious concern over misconduct related to procurement management at HCTM involving three major tenders worth RM58.45 million.

He noted that these complaints were investigated and confirmed by the National Audit Department. Several companies that did not receive approval from the selection committee were appointed to undertake these projects.

“If no appropriate action is taken, this will have negative implications not only financially, but also in terms of service quality, patient comfort and care and the training of medical students at HCTM. It also threatens HCTM’s quality and weakens UKM’s credibility,” he said.

To address this, he said it is essential for UKM to undergo reforms in governance and administration, and he urged all relevant authorities to be more vigilant and take swift action against those involved in misconduct.

Concluding his address, he reminded all graduates to use the knowledge they have gained for the benefit of their families and society.

“I trust that you will uphold the dignity and good name of the university. If possible, return to UKM to contribute your knowledge and expertise. Be exemplary alumni who are always respected,” Tuanku Muhriz said.

At the same ceremony, Tuanku Muhriz granted consent for the establishment of the Tuanku Muhriz Royal Chair in Integrity and Good Governance, to be held by former Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who also serves as Professor of Practice at UKM’s Law Faculty.

The Chair aims to advance research and policy work related to good governance, integrity issues, public administration and institutional reform.

A total of 13,904 graduates will receive their degrees at the convocation ceremony, which runs from today until Dec 4. The graduates include 571 Doctor of Philosophy recipients, 231 Master of Clinical Specialisation recipients, 2,796 Master’s graduates, 4,511 Bachelor’s degree graduates, 108 Postgraduate Diploma recipients, 5,677 Postgraduate Diploma (Conversion) recipients and 10 Postgraduate Certificate recipients.

-- BERNAMA