Sources Reveal UM Removed Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr Hamdi For Not Supporting Umno
The Education Ministry has discontinued the contract of one Deputy Vice-Chancellor, removed the Director UMcedel, and will be replacing another Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs, all for reasons that might not have anything to do with education or their competency.
By Mei Mei Chu — 23 Jan 2015, 11:07 AM — Updated almost 10 years ago
Universiti Malaya (UM) Has Allegedly Removed Two Deputy Vice-Chancellors On Reasons That Once Again Highlights The Lack Of Academic Freedom In Local Institutions
The country's oldest university, Universiti Malaya (UM), is set to lose another renowned academic and re-open the debate on the lack of academic freedom in Malaysian institutions after Putrajaya refused to extend the contract of a bright and upcoming professor, allegedly because he did not support Umno, the ruling Malay party in the federal government, a source has revealed.
themalaysianinsider.com
According To The Malaysian Insider, The Education Ministry Did Not Extend Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic And International) Professor Dr Mohd Hamdi Abd Shukor's Contract Because He Is Pro-Opposition
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic And International) Professor Dr Mohd Hamdi Abd Shukor
Image via kyoto-u.ac.jpIn the Universiti Malaya's top administration About page, Prof Dr Hamdi's profile read "He is in charge of academic matters overseeing the entire faculties and academic agencies in the university. His portfolio also covers the international related agendas." His profile has now been removed.
Hamdi's three-year contract as vice-chancellor ended on December 31 last year and he is now an ordinary lecturer at UM's Faculty of Engineering. However, he is expected to take a sabbatical soon. “I understand that the Education Ministry did not approve the extension of my contract after my name was submitted by UM,” Hamdi told The Malaysian Insider when contacted.
themalaysianinsider.com
They Will Also Be Replacing Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs), Professor Datuk Dr Rohana Yusof For Being Too Lenient With Students
Another deputy vice-chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr Rohana Yusof, who is in charge of student affairs, is set to be replaced for being too lenient with students, the source from the university said.
themalaysianinsider.com
Professor Rohana Yusof's profile in the UM website reads "In this position she is responsible for developing and preparing students' for the job market and at the same time facilitating and looking after their well-being."
Meanwhile, Rohana is said to be replaced over recent incidents involving student and academic freedom. "UM will get a deputy vice chancellor in charge of student affairs who is stricter," said the source,
themalaysianinsider.com
Under Rohana's Watch, Up To 2,000 Students Defied The University's Ban And Carried Out A Campus Talk Featuring Anwar Ibrahim. The Occupy UM Protest Then Broke Out When The University Punished The Student Activists Responsible.
Under Rohana’s watch, students had forced their way past the campus gates on October 27 last year to carry out a banned talk featuring opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Under Rohana, students had also gathered on campus in November last year to protest the disciplinary action taken against eight of their peers who had organised the talk.
themalaysianinsider.com
A Source Revealed That Removing Hamdi Is A Huge Loss For The Varsity As The 44-Year-Old Professor Has A Stellar Track Record
The source noted that Hamdi had a stellar track record and is ranked among the university's youngest and brightest after being promoted to a full professor in 2010 at the age of 39, while serving as the Head of UM's Department of Engineering. Hamdi, who hails from Muar, Johor, is a fellow with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (United Kingdom) and a chartered engineer registered with the UK Engineering Council.
themalaysianinsider.com
"Even though he has an excellent track record, including in administrative matters, and is among the best, his tenure will not be extended," said the source, adding that it was a huge loss for UM. "Professor Hamdi's potential is enormous."
themalaysianinsider.com
However, The Education Ministry Views The Support Of Umno As The Main Criteria. "There Is No Room For Difference Of Opinion," Says The Source.
The source blamed the current vice-chancellor for being too weak and subservient to Umno. "There is no room for differences of opinion as being a supporter of Umno is now the main criteria," said the source.
themalaysianinsider.com
Last Year, UM Removed Professor Datuk Dr Redhuan Othman As Director Of UM's Centre For Democracy And Elections After His Research Findings And Analysis Put Barisan Nasional In A Bad Light
Last year, Redhuan was removed as director of Universiti Malaya's Centre for Democracy and Elections (UMcedel) after his research left the ruling parties unhappy. "It is unfortunate if this happens because Redhuan has proven he is an excellent professor, including producing the most number of PhD graduates in the last convocation.
themalaysianinsider.com
Over the past few years, UMcedel's survey findings on Malaysian politics have irked Putrajaya for their uncomplimentary analyses on the ruling Barisan Nasional.
themalaysianinsider.com
The Federal Government Is Responsible For The Appointment Of University Heads Or Vice-Chancellors In UM
UM, founded in 1949, has long been a nurturing ground for student leaders, some of whom today are ministers, politicians and leaders in society. But appointments of university heads, or vice-chancellors, are made by the federal government.
themalaysianinsider.com
The Nation's Oldest Univesity Has Been Plagued With Issues With Both Students And Faculty Members After Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Amin Jalaludin Was Appointed As Vice-Chancellor In 2013
UM has been plagued with problems since the Education Ministry announced the appointment of Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Amin Jalaludin as the new vice-chancellor of UM. He was seen as having failed to stand up for his staff when associate professor Dr Azmi Sharom was charged with sedition last year over his comments on the Perak constitutional crisis.
themalaysianinsider.com
The Previous Vice-Chancellor Tan Sri Datuk Dr Ghauth Jasmon Was Protective In Ensuring Students And Teachers Had Academic Freedom
Amin is said to be weak and unable to protect his staff and the interests of UM since taking over the position from Tan Sri Datuk Dr Ghauth Jasmon on November 2013. Ghauth was known for fiercely protecting his academic staff from political interference. His firm stance had allowed UM to enjoy academic freedom during his time at the helm of the university.
themalaysianinsider.com
The Current Vice-Chancellor, Amin, Was Seen To Have Failed To Defend His Staff When Associate Professor Dr Azmi Sharom Was Charged With Sedition In 2014