Appoint independent committee to probe UniSZA VC’s alleged misconduct

Appoint independent committee to probe UniSZA VC’s alleged misconduct – MAAC

by BERNAMA

KUALA TERENGGANU – The Ministry of Higher Education has been urged to appoint an independent committee to investigate the Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) vice-chancellor who is alleged to have committed administrative misconduct.

Malaysian Academic Association Congress (MAAC) president, Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Idrus Mohd Masirin (picture) said the independent committee must comprise third parties who have no interest or connection with the university.

“This is important to ensure transparency, independence and fairness of the investigation process against Prof Datuk Dr Hassan who was suspended from performing his duties as UniSZA vice-chancellor, effective July 12.

“MAAC also supports the appointment of a temporary replacement among the university’s deputy vice-chancellors to carry out the duties of the vice-chancellor so that its operations go on as usual and smoothly,” he said in a statement today.

He said the appointment was a temporary measure pending the investigation outcome.

“MAAC also urges the university’s Board of Directors (BOD) to respect and abide by the provisions in the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) 1971 and constitution of UniSZA.

“Any action taken against the vice-chancellor must be informed and approved by the minister concerned (Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad) to avoid any misunderstanding with the university’s BOD and its management and staff. Any misperception can impact the university’s reputation,” he added.

Mohd Idrus said MAAC believed that any allegation of misconduct should be verified to maintain justice and if found to be true, then the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and court should determine the matter.

In a separate statement, UniSZA Academic Staff Association (PSA) said it had sent a letter to the Higher Education Minister for her to use her discretion to immediately appoint an acting vice-chancellor of the university.

UniSZA PSA also proposed that its deputy vice-chancellor for Academic and International Affairs (TNC A&A), Prof Dr Kamarul Shukri Mat Teh carry out the duties and functions of the vice-chancellor.