University directors removed to ensure institutional reform, says Maszlee

The Pakatan Harapan government replaced directors of public universities whom it felt could not accelerate the agenda of institutional reform, according to Education Minister Maszlee Malik.

This comes after The Malaysian Insight reported that three members of the Universiti Malaya board of directors had their services terminated.

"It is not about removing the directors, it is about having new leadership with fresh ideas," the minister told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

Maszlee also pointed out that those who replaced were political appointees.

When asked if more university directors are on the chopping block, he said, "Just wait and see".

Elaborating further, he said the removal of the directors was also in line with the changing of top officials at various government agencies and GLCs.

"We need new and fresh faces, just like you can see many (new) ministers in the government institution," he added.

It was reported that board chairperson Zakri Abdul Hamid, along with Mohamad Othman Zainal Azim and Lim Wee Chai were terminated prior to the completion of their terms.

The university’s acting registrar Mahamad Apandi Khalib said their membership in companies and subsidiaries associated with the university, as well as in committees associated with the board, have also been terminated. -Mkini