Kuala lumpur: University lecturers must remain focused on their fields of expertise and avoid making public comments on matters outside their specialisation, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. He emphasized that the academic world is governed by established procedures and guidelines that must be observed to preserve the integrity of knowledge and the credibility of higher education institutions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zambry clarified that lecturers are not prohibited from expressing views related to their respective fields. However, he noted that it is not ideal when they comment on issues outside their field. This issue has been frequently raised, and he repeatedly stressed the importance for lecturers to focus on their areas of specialisation. Zambry made these remarks while addressing a query about a claim by International Islamic University Malaysia lecturer Prof Dr Solehah Yaacob, who suggested that ancient Roman shipbuilding techniques may have been learned from Malay seafarers. This statement followed the discovery of a shipwreck believed to date back to the 13th century on Pulau Melaka.

The discovery of the ship skeleton, aged between 800 and 900 years, is considered one of the oldest shipwrecks ever found in Malaysia, marking an important milestone in the country's archaeological history. Zambry highlighted that professors and lecturers should act as reference points for the community within their fields of expertise, much like specialist doctors who provide opinions strictly within their areas of specialization. He pointed out that when professors in technical fields speak as though they are experts in unrelated areas, it often raises questions in the academic community when such remarks are presented as personal expertise.

Earlier, in his speech, Zambry emphasized the need for the country's higher education system to strengthen two key pillars: curriculum and pedagogy, to remain relevant amid global changes and industry demands. He stressed that the curriculum should not only focus on knowledge content but also emphasize values, soft skills, and graduate employability, in line with the 10-year education plan that outlines the foundation for emerging disciplines such as planetary health and multidisciplinary approaches in engineering. Zambry emphasized the importance of balancing technical expertise with human development, placing human values at the center of Malaysia's higher education action plan.

He also addressed the challenges posed by the imbalance in digital access, stating that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed all universities to be equipped with 100 per cent internet coverage to ensure equal access to knowledge, especially in polytechnics and community colleges.