IPT Integrity Unit To Be Placed Under University Board - Zambry

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- The Integrity Unit of public universities and higher education institutions (IPTs) under the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) will be placed under the University Board of Directors as an independent entity to strengthen governance and integrity in the country’s higher education institutions.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the move was taken to ensure transparency in governance, as well as the effective implementation of tasks and integrity monitoring, following reports of integrity and governance issues in some universities and IPTs.

He said an integrity committee had also been established to drive major transformation efforts in governance and integrity management at higher education institutions.

“It is crucial to place the Integrity Unit under the University Board of Directors, as there is currently no uniformity in staffing, with some units currently placed under the authority of the vice-chancellor and deputy vice-chancellor.

“The board is the highest authority in the university, so we have decided that the Integrity Unit should be placed under it, and this will be implemented immediately,” he told a press conference at the Parliament building today.

Elaborating, Zambry said there was a need to increase the number of positions in the Integrity Unit at universities and IPTs, particularly at higher-grade levels.

“Some units operate with only one or two personnel, with a limited number of officers. Given the thousands of students and staff to oversee, at least seven officers are needed to carry out their duties effectively.

“In terms of grades, MOHE will seek a readjustment because some officers in the Integrity Unit are assigned to junior positions, such as grade 41, limiting their authority to carry out their duties,” he said.

Zambry said MOHE also planned to implement the Certified Integrity Officer Programme in collaboration with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Academy to enhance the expertise of Integrity Unit staff.

Meanwhile, when asked about the vacant UKM Vice-Chancellor position following the resignation of Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Ekhwan Toriman early last February, Zambry said the selection process was being carried out by the relevant committee.

On the proposal to standardise the coordination of lecturer promotions, he said MOHE was scrutinising the matter to ensure the process was carried out fairly.

-- BERNAMA