Kuala Lumpur: The appointment of vice-chancellors and deputy vice-chancellors at public universities are never conducted hastily or influenced by political factors, as has been claimed on social media and in poison pen letters. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir emphasized that these appointments follow the procedures set under Section 4A of the Universities and University Colleges Amendment 2019 (AUKU). The process is based on recommendations from the university's management board and the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Rectors of Public Universities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Zambry explained that the selection process involves multiple screenings. The Minister selects candidates based on the law under Part I, Section 9(1) of the AUKU. His remarks came during his ministry's winding up session on the debate on the motion of thanks for the Royal Address at the Dewan Rakyat.

There have been allegations that the selection process for vice-chancellors at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) and Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) did not adhere to the required screening and interview procedures. Dr Zambry countered these claims, affirming that the appointments were conducted properly.

Additionally, Dr Zambry addressed accusations that the current generation of university students have become hedonistic due to activities such as concerts in higher education institutions. He clarified that all activities organized by university students or universities comply with regulations, which are drafted and prepared by the universities themselves.