[Malaysia] Shafie: No crisis in higher education

Shafie: No crisis in higher education

Nurul Nazirin - Sep 29 2005, Malaysiakini

Despite certain quarters claiming otherwise, Higher Education Minister Dr Shafie Mohd Salleh said there is no crisis in the higher education circle in the country. He made this clear in his written response in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday to Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timor).

On the controversy surrounding University Malaya academic Prof Dr Edmund Terrence Gomez, Shafie said the ministry has approved his leave application to take up a United Nations posting in Geneva. “The decision was made based on merit and to encourage more academics in Malaysia to serve and contribute their services at the international level,” he stated.

Initially, Gomez resigned after the university rejected his leave application but the issue was resolved after Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi intervened. On the contract termination of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia lecturer Prof P Ramasamy (left), Shafie said: “He was terminated upon the expiry of his contract”.

Ramasamy, who has since joined DAP, had previously claimed that he was axed because of his criticism of government policies and his involvement in the peace talks between Indonesia and the Aceh separatist movement.

Don’t politicise

Meanwhile, Shafie said his ministry will continue to ensure that local public universities will secure higher rankings among universities around the world. He also denied that the spirit was low among academics and students here, noting that they have reaped success in several international competitions and conferences.

“Thus the ministry request all parties to assist in the ministry’s efforts in enhancing the academics and students of public and private universities without politicising (the issue),” he said.