UM student union against latest board director appointment

The Universiti Malaya Students’ Union (UMSU) has objected to the appointment of Danesh Raj Nagarajan to the university’s board of directors.

In a statement today, the union took issue with his qualifications.

“It may be true that Danesh is a highly esteemed Perdana Fellow Scholar and a fellow previously at the residential colleges, but are there not more qualified candidates for the role after considering factors such as academic meritocracy, industry experience, balance of gender, internationalisation and many more?” it asked.

While it welcomed a youth on the board, UMSU questioned Danesh’s alleged political links.

“We also question the appointee’s political involvement [...]

“Political discussions and activities can be conducted and even celebrated in the name of academic freedom to inculcate mature thinking among students, but political appointments into important roles capable of swaying daily operations of a higher education institution is not ideal, and should even be frowned upon,” it said.

UMSU further questioned why someone from the corporate sector, judiciary or another country was not appointed instead.

Remain unconvinced

“We remain unconvinced that the appointee (Danesh) possesses the knowledge, experience or ability necessary to contribute to the university and its community as a whole, especially the students,” it said.

Universiti Malaya had announced Danesh’s appointment on Oct 4. His three-year term expires on Oct 3, 2024.

He stands out as the youngest among the top public university’s 10 board members.

The 26-year-old has a performing arts degree from the university.

According to Danesh’s social media posts, he is a member of the Youth and Sports Ministry’s Parlimen Belia (Youth Parliament) initiative.

He previously served as an aide to Umno’s Pengerang MP Azalina Othman Said.

Political interference

Aside from UMSU, the Malaysia Academic Movement (Gerak) has also criticised the alleged political appointment and raised concerns about possible political interference into UM.

Earlier this week, Higher Education Minister Noraini Ahmad defended Danesh’s appointment and said he was chosen based on his continued “contribution to alumni activities”.

The appointment was also to encourage young leaders at the national level and in public universities, she told the Dewan Rakyat.  - Mkini