Universities: meritocracy, freedom in research and no party political interference

DAP National Deputy Chiarman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw stresses that universities including University of Malaya must practise meritocracy, freedom of research and freedom from party political interference.


Dr Tan refers to the wish of MU new Vice-Chancellor Datuk Dr Ghauth Jasmon to make the university one of the top 200 in the world.


Since his appointment as V-C this month, he is reported to have presented a formula that includes steps (1) to invite famous scholars from overseas to the unversity to do research;(2)to attract foreign students to do master and doctoral degrees;(3)to encourage First Class Honours Malaysian students to further their studies at home;(4)to set up special committee to scrutinize and upgrade the progress of research students.


The previous V-C did mention increasing the number of lecturers with Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from 48% to 60% (in the Strategic Plan it is 80%);treating holders of Ph.D. from local and foreign universities equitably and improving international cooperation.


The above-stated formula is acceptable. We hope that the Federal Government takes it seriously and refrain from undue interference. The V-C must listen to the views of more people, especially lecturers and students.


For example, we often hear that a lecturer who works hard on research and teaching and has good qualifications is bypassed. Instead, the university promotes a lecturer who does less work and has lower qualifications. A professor, lecturer or researcher from a foreign leading university is not treated as well as a local person with the same qualifications. Are these complaints true?

There are geniuses such as Huxley and Einstein who could produce research papers which are much higher than Ph.D.s. They discover new things.

Ph.D denotes that a person has done at least three years of meaningful research under strict supervision. Our universities must ensure that Ph.D. is awarded according to internatiopnal standards with external examiniers from leading universities either local or foreign.


It is essential that the government allocates suitable funds for research, while assuming the responsiblity to prevent party political interference in universities. We must not alllow any form of extremism that will destroy them.

We must understand the nature of research work, giving researchers freedom. Success and failure occur in researches. Perhaps not more than 10% of reseach findings can be commercialized.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw