VARSITY CAN MOVE FORWARD WITH AUTONOMY, SAYS NEGRI RULER

BANGI: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) should be given autonomy so it can improve its effectiveness as a research university.

“Autonomy includes the ability to implement decisions based on an efficient and effective administration with a responsibility for achieving the university’s objectives,” Negri Sembilan Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir said when delivering his Royal Lecture entitled UKM, university for the world before launching UKM’s 40th anniversary celebrations at its main campus.

Tuanku Muhriz, who is the university’s chancellor, said more autonomy in financial management would mean the university could make decisions based on accountability and integrity in a transparent governance system.

Royal touch: Tuanku Muhriz launching a UKM website in conjunction with the university's 40th anniversary celebrations yesterday. With him are Tuanku Aishah Rohani (left) and Prof Dr Sharifah Hapsah. - M. AZHAR ARIF / The Star

“Autonomy would also mean the university can create, offer and implement academic programmes and manage student intake based on a quality system which would fulfil the requirements of an institutional audit,” he said.

In line with UKM’s establishment as a university using the Malay Language as its medium of instruction, he said the language should be further strengthened as it was used in various roles including in the palace (bahasa istana), commerce and in gaining knowledge.

“The Malay Language is also an international language as it is studied at world famous institutions such as the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London and Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand,” he said.

Later, Tuanku Muhriz launched 80 new books as well as commemorative stamps, a First Day Cover and a UKM news portal.

Also present were his consort, Tunku Ampuan Besar Negri Sembilan Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud, pro-chancellor Tunku Laxamana Tunku Naquiyuddin Tuanku Ja’afar, board of directors chairman Tan Sri Dr Mazlan Ahmad, vice-chancellor Prof Tan Sri Dr Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan Shahabudin and senior management staff.