JOHOR BAHRU: Four Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) staff associations unanimously urged the Education Ministry to appoint a new vice-chancellor from within the current staff unit.
Its former vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Zaini Ujang was recently appointed as the Education Ministry secretary-general II, leaving a vacancy in his previously held position.
The university’s Academic Staff Society (PKA) president Prof Madya Dr Aminuddin Ruskam (pic) , who represented the group, said that staff members have voiced out their concerns on who would be appointed as the university’s new vice-chancellor.
“According to a survey conducted by the university, 47% of its staff members voted for the new vice-chancellor to be picked from within the existing staff unit.
“This is to ensure the continuity of the transformation program-mes, which was initiated by Prof Zaini,” he told a press conference.
He added that many were concerned that if someone from outside the staff circle was appointed, he or she may not be able to see through the mission and vision of the programmes.
“We believe that there are a few staff members, who are capable of carrying out and realise the plans for the transformation programmes,” he said.
Among the programmes planned, Prof Aminuddin said the university targets to be listed among the top 50 universities in the world by 2020.
“We have come to know that there are many outsiders eyeing the vice-chancellor position and we strongly urge the ministry to consider appointing one from within UTM,” he added.
He also recommended its four deputy vice-chancellors namely Prof Ir Dr Mohd Azraai Kassim (Research and Innovation), Prof Ir Dr Wahid Omar (Development), Prof Dr Rose Alinda Alias (Academic and International) and Prof Dr Mohd Ismail Abd Aziz (Student Affairs and Alumni) for the position.