UPM in Crisis

The title might be a little dramatic but that's the condition of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) at the moment.

Siakap senohong, Gemala ikan duri;
Bercakap bohong, Bolehkah jadi menteri?

This infamous pantun (rumoured to have targeted the Higher Education Minister) has contributed to the recent crisis in UPM which has escalated to the point that the V-C has being asked to resign by the university Board of Directors. Among the key issues involved are the transfer of the Aerospace Engineering programme from UPM to University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), the appointment of two DV-Cs (both names not in the list recommended by the V-C) and of course, the pantun above. Why is this issue important to us and why should we care at all? The autonomy of the Malaysian institutions of higher learning is now at stake. Now then, do you feel that this issue is important enough for all Malaysians to take notice?

To know more on this issue, read these articles:

• Universiti Putra V-C asked to resign
• Shafie to decide on UPM vice-chancellor’s fate
• Screenshots: Article One, Article Two, Article Three>
• Alasan Lembaga Pengarah UPM berasas