Kuala lumpur: The Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir has called on the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to consistently support reform efforts at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). His Royal Highness, who is also UKM’s chancellor, emphasized the need for expediting the appointment of senior management, particularly members of the university’s board of directors and the deputy vice-chancellors.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tuanku Muhriz stressed that the appointment of university senior management must involve qualified and responsible candidates, asserting that leaders involved in misconduct are not suitable to administer a university like UKM, which values knowledge, quality, and morality. Speaking at UKM’s 53rd Convocation Ceremony, he highlighted the university’s significant role as a catalyst for change through quality education, high-impact research, and sustainable community service.
Tuanku Muhriz expressed pride in UKM’s achievements, including its two teaching hospitals, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) and Hospital Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani, the latter of which he recently officiated. He emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity and trustworthiness in leadership to preserve the university’s success and warned against administrators exploiting their positions for personal gain.
His Royal Highness also raised concerns about misconduct related to procurement management at HCTM, involving three major tenders worth RM58.45 million. These complaints were investigated and confirmed by the National Audit Department, revealing that companies lacking committee approval were appointed for projects. He cautioned that without appropriate action, there would be negative financial implications, affecting service quality, patient care, and medical training at HCTM, thus threatening UKM’s credibility.
To address these issues, Tuanku Muhriz advocated for governance and administrative reforms at UKM, urging relevant authorities to be vigilant and take swift action against misconduct. He concluded his address by encouraging graduates to use their knowledge for societal benefit and to uphold the university’s dignity and reputation.
During the convocation ceremony, Tuanku Muhriz established the Tuanku Muhriz Royal Chair in Integrity and Good Governance, to be held by former Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who also serves as Professor of Practice at UKM’s Law Faculty. The Chair aims to advance research and policy work related to governance, integrity, public administration, and institutional reform.
This year, the convocation ceremony will see 13,904 graduates receiving their degrees, including 571 Doctor of Philosophy recipients, 231 Master of Clinical Specialisation recipients, 2,796 Master’s graduates, 4,511 Bachelor’s degree graduates, 108 Postgraduate Diploma recipients, 5,677 Postgraduate Diploma (Conversion) recipients, and 10 Postgraduate Certificate recipients.