UM targets full autonomy in governance and academics
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Malaya (UM) is making significant strides toward achieving full autonomy, aiming to govern independently while reducing its reliance on the government.
UM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said that the pioneering, bold, and radical approach would enable UM to gain full independence in governance, student admissions, finance, and academics, without compromising its corporate social responsibility.
'As an established and mature university, UM should be progressing towards autonomy without being entirely dependent on government assistance.
'Therefore, UM must think creatively about leveraging its existing advantages to achieve autonomy,' he told Bernama after attending a UM media strategic session with senior management from several local media organisations here today.
The session was attended by Broadcasting director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) News Services executive editor Mohd Haikal Mohd Isa, and Harian Metro Group editor Hussain Jahit.
Noor Azuan said that there were currently around 1.1 to 1.2 million students nationwide, with 600,000 studying in 20 public universities, while the rest were enrolled in over 300 private institutions.
'In this regard, universities should be creative in obtaining funds without neglecting the quality aspect, and for that, media promotion and advertising are crucial for attracting international students to Malaysia,' he said.
He also expressed his appreciation to media practitioners for their continued support and coverage, particularly in conveying the university's messages, initiatives, efforts, and achievements to the public.
'We really appreciate the role of the media, which not only supports UM but also contributes to the development of all universities in Malaysia,' he said.
The media had previously reported that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had expressed his view that public universities should be given full authority to decide on their priorities.
The matter was mentioned during the opening ceremony of the Ministry of Higher Education's (MOHE) Strategic and Global Thinkers Discourse 2024, where the Prime Minister called on the MOHE to provide more space for universities to implement programmes aimed at improving the quality of education.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
UMNO Divisional Meetings Begin, Zahid Urges Unity and Renewal
KUALA LUMPUR: Delegates from UMNO Divisions, Wanita, Youth, and Puteri have begun to gather for the UMNO Divisional Delegates' Meetings starting today until July 27. UMNO President and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in a Facebook post, urged party members to make this conference a platform to strengthen political communication, renew promises, and reinforce determination. 'Let this conference be a platform for us to strengthen the three political approaches I outlined previously: Politics of Solution, Politics of Legacy, and Politics of Moderation. This is the foundation of our struggle that needs to be translated into every action, decision, and effort at all party levels,' he said. The Bagan Datuk Member of Parliament also wished UMNO members a successful conference, reminding them that the party must continue to amplify the voice of the people, empathize with the anxieties and aspirations of the youth, and stand strong as a party that is rearing to move forward, even as times change. 'Our strength lies not only in our historical heritage but in the unity of our hearts and the clarity of direction we uphold together. 'I believe that as long as there is sincerity in togetherness, and as long as this struggle is carried out with a pure spirit, UMNO will continue to flourish as a vessel of hope for the people and a pillar of stability and national progress,' he said. Previously, the UMNO Branch Conferences were held from April 7 to May 25, 2025, while the UMNO General Assembly is scheduled to take place from Aug 20 to 23, 2025.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Delegates from Divisions, Wanita, Youth and Puteri arrive for UMNO Divisional Delegates' Meetings
KUALA LUMPUR: Delegates from UMNO Divisions, Wanita, Youth, and Puteri have begun to gather for the UMNO Divisional Delegates' Meetings starting today until July 27. UMNO President and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in a Facebook post, urged party members to make this conference a platform to strengthen political communication, renew promises, and reinforce determination. 'Let this conference be a platform for us to strengthen the three political approaches I outlined previously: Politics of Solution, Politics of Legacy, and Politics of Moderation. This is the foundation of our struggle that needs to be translated into every action, decision, and effort at all party levels,' he said. The Bagan Datuk Member of Parliament also wished UMNO members a successful conference, reminding them that the party must continue to amplify the voice of the people, empathize with the anxieties and aspirations of the youth, and stand strong as a party that is rearing to move forward, even as times change. 'Our strength lies not only in our historical heritage but in the unity of our hearts and the clarity of direction we uphold together. 'I believe that as long as there is sincerity in togetherness, and as long as this struggle is carried out with a pure spirit, UMNO will continue to flourish as a vessel of hope for the people and a pillar of stability and national progress,' he said. Previously, the UMNO Branch Conferences were held from April 7 to May 25, 2025, while the UMNO General Assembly is scheduled to take place from Aug 20 to 23, 2025.
Focus Malaysia
2 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
'99% Muslim Klang's village folks have every right to fume over crematorium built close to mosque'
IN a rare case, a non-Muslim Klang native has stood up in defence of Kampung Raja Uda villagers who are reportedly up in arms over the construction of a four-storey columbarium adjacent to a mosque in their vicinity. Facebooker Emmanuel Joseph who felt annoyed with racial comments contended that 'people who don't live here may not understand' the actual situation on the ground. 'Until six months ago, I lived in this area, just two streets away from this very mosque. The villager's concerns are not unfounded for the village is 99% Muslim,' observed the self-proclaimed 'Chindian Klang native who is moderately fluent in sarcasm and irony' in a Facebook post. 'The nearest non-Muslim house is just streets away left and right … and they already have two large Chinese temples at the end of the adjacent street. This area is opposite Pandamaran which itself has like a few dozen temples including many large ones. 'So why not put the crematorium or columbarium or whatever there (in Kampung Raja Uda)?' Emmanuel was commenting on a recent Bernama report that the village folks were even contemplating to submit a protest memorandum to Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah on the matter, As it is, most of the 5,000 residents in the village oppose the construction of the columbarium on a one-hectare plot of private land given the project had not been discussed with the residents who only became aware of it two weeks ago. 'Many residents are worried that the village area may become polluted by ashes generated from the cremation process, particularly for homes situated less than 10 metres from the site,' village committee chairman Azhar Ibrahim told reporters after participating in a peaceful protest in Port Klang recently. Delving further, Emmanuel described Kampung Raja Uda as 'relatively tolerant despite the strong PAS presence there'. 'There's even a couple of Hindu shrines just around the nearby Muslim cemetery, co-existing peacefully,' observed the University of London law graduate. 'This particular mosque is newly renovated and a work 25 years in the making.' Hoping that non-Muslims 'don't make it out to be case of intolerant villagers when it really isn't', Enmanuel added: If I were still staying there, I wouldn't agree to a burial ground of any sort on this street either. The house on the left of the mosque is Hindu and prayers are still done there harmoniously. The house opposite that one is a popular businessman who holds parties now and then with no problems. This mosque is very popular and active in social work, etc and is frequently packed with parking being already tight there. The entire area around the mosque are hang-outs and tomyam stalls where Malay youth hang out. The end of the street houses a pasar malam that mainly serves a Muslim clientele but they happily host Chinese vegetable sellers and yoyo ice and toys traders, among others.' – June 9, 2025 Main image credit: Bernama
