Maszlee Hopes All Stakeholders Will Be Consulted In Um Restructuring

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Education Minister Maszlee Malik has said that he hopes that all stakeholders will be consulted in the ongoing restructuring exercise at Universiti Malaya (UM)
This in response to a recent statement from the university’s Academic Staff Association (PKAUM), which claimed that the views of academicians and general staff had been left out from the exercise
In a statement today, the minister said his suggestions on the issue have since been relayed to the university administration, which has now begun engaging with PKAUM
“Based on information that I have obtained, the UM administration has informed me that they are at present holding discussions with all university stakeholders in stages, including with PKAUM
“The administration has also held discussions with the senior academic management,” he said
“I hope talks with all stakeholders will allow the restructuring exercise in question to bring benefits to all parties, as well as to the country in the long run
“I believe that the autonomy given to public universities will be able to raise the quality of tertiary institutions, in line with what is intended by the government,” Maszlee added
PKAUM, which is led by law professor Azmi Sharom (photo), previously claimed that the restructuring exercise was being done in a “top-down” manner
“Thus far, the exercise has involved the management, the deans of faculty and heads of department. The restructuring entails redesigning the organisational structure and human resource planning, including reviewing the grade structure and pay
“...It is disappointing that no town halls have been initiated to engage with the campus community on such a grand plan that has an impact on the future of our university
“In the era of the new Malaysia that prides itself on reform, surely such dictatorial tyranny is a model of the past,” Azmi had said
He further criticised UM’s apparent move to engage an external consultant named Robert Mosley for the exercise, whom he claimed had a “glaring lack of experiences in academia” and had cost the institution a substantial amount.Azmi also said that the academic community at UM had been rocked by “ongoing uncertainty” due to the many temporary administrative appointments, including the positions of the vice-chancellor, registrar, dean and heads of departments
“This is an unenviable situation and has a deleterious effect on the morale of the staff,” he added
Malaysiakini has contacted UM for comment. - Mkini

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