Complete review of the existing system that stifles talents

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw reiterates that the Central Government review comprehensively the existing system that discourages the nurturing, the attracting and the keeping of talents.


On May 31, 2012, Dr Tan comments on the QS University Rankings: Asia. Out of the 14 Malaysian universities listed, Universiti Malaya, UM, has ranking of 35,compared with 39 in 2011.
In the world, organizations such as QS, Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd, the Times, London, and Shanghai Transport Univerisity have individual standards to assess the rankings of universities. Each one has its usefulness. But, it is not all-embracing. For example, the QS system also shows UKM ranking going down from 53 in 2011 to 58 in 2012; UPM from 57 in 2011 to 76 in 2012.
Hitherto, 14 Malaysian universities are in the list of QS Rankings. Since 2011, USM has refused to take part. As a prime university, we hope its ways of doing things can truly raise its standard.
The Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib prattles about raising university standard, nurturing, attracting and keeping talents. But, the existing system is not always consistent with YAB Najib's statement. For example, recently, there is a lady doctor who has been trained as a geriatrician for one and a half years in Newcastle, United Kingdom. She needs another one and a half years' training. As her father is ill, she comes back to Malaysia, hoping that she can continue with the geriatric training. However, she faces obstacles: Malaysian universities do not recognize her training. The government health service insists on her working as a medical officer for two years. This does not necessarily mean that she will be given a chance for specialist training.

Actually, in Malaysia, geriatrics as a specialty is just beginning. It cannot be compared with that in Newcastle. If the authorities continue to make life difficult for the lady doctor, she may return to UK to continue the training.
Once again, we urge the Central Government to review comprehensively the current system, finding out the obstacles to promoting talents. These obstacles must be removed.

Tan Seng Giaw