KUALA LUMPUR – The University of Malaya Students’ Union (UMSU) has suggested the government appoint a candidate more in tune with students’ rights and interests to succeed as the next higher education (MoHE) minister.
The post is currently vacant post following the resignation of Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad, whom the union said led MoHE into chaos.
Union vice-president Tan Wen Kang said major decisions by the ministry have been left pending, leading to the neglect of student affairs.
“The former higher education minister finally approved two of the five demands following the #SiswaMinta5 we made in July, namely, the university fee reduction policy and vaccinations for students.
“Prior to her resignation, the rest of the demands are still pending,” he said in a statement today.
The other demands are to close factories and implement Covid-19 bubble strategies, for the prime minister to resign, and for a strong and stable government.
“It is undeniable that what students need is a successor who always prioritises students’ rights and cares about the well-being of students to lead MoHE,” he said.
Tan said many students have genuine concerns regarding the learning mode for the next semester, given that the infection rate (Rt) of Covid-19 in the country is at 1.07 as of Sunday.
“If herd immunity is not achieved within the next two months, the stance of the union in this critical pandemic situation remains with those students in need to return to campus.
“However, we are fully aware that this decision is related to the health and safety of every single student,” Tan added.
He urged the minister and UM to heed the students’ voices instead of making decisions arbitrarily, potentially leaving students to deal with the consequences.
Regardless of the final decision, any announcement must be made in advance so students can prepare themselves, he added.
Tan also reminded the ministry and UM not to repeat previous mistakes, such as last-minute U- turns that trampled on the rights and interests of students, such as being barred from entering the university or being stranded at the airport.
“History has been marked with the unreasonable revocation of the decision requiring students to register physically a day before freshmen (year) in the previous semester, or the disregard of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 abolishment agenda, despite the students voicing out their desired demands.
“It was enough to depict the inefficacy of the former higher education minister in her role,” said Tan.
He called on her successor to pay attention to the needs of the students as they are the main stakeholders of educational institutions and should be involved in decision-making processes.
“No matter who is appointed, they must understand and respect the aspirations of higher education institutions and students’ empowerment, as well as the academic freedom and autonomy that must be defended at all times.” – The Vibes, August 10, 2021
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