KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad’s reappointment as the higher education minister did not go well with the Universiti Malaya Students’ Union (UMSU), who cited several failures during her time as minister.
The group said in a statement that her shortcomings in the past have highlighted how unsuited she is for the role and unable to realise the aspirations the position demands.
She had unsuccessfully tried to repeal the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971, the students’ body said, reflecting the government’s lack of initiative in pushing for democratic, forward-thinking youth.
It also cited an incident in October last year when the government only announced student intake registration just a day before the deadline, resulting in the delay of thousands of students returning to their residences.
“Students from Sabah and Sarawak were also forced to spend hundreds of ringgit on Covid-19 RT-PCR tests that should have been provided for by the government,” it said.
On this note, UMSU urged the cabinet to appoint another minister to take over Noraini’s role, and find a visionary capable of acting in the best interest of the students and putting effective contingencies in place.
The group said it is also doubtful of Noraini’s reappointment because she had previously resigned from the post on August 6 during the twilight of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration.
“Experience in the political arena does not guarantee competence in the field of student interests and welfare.”
UMSU added that the reinstatement of Noraini’s position does not reflect Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's commitment to involving the younger generation in the country’s economic process. – The Vibes, August 30, 2021
