COMMENT | As Malaysia faces perhaps the most difficult political-economic and health crises in its history, many major policy and strategic decisions are being left in the hands of our civil servants.

In this regard, Pergerakan Tenaga Akademik Malaysia (Gerak) is deeply troubled to learn of inconsistent decisions being made by the Higher Education Ministry (MOHE).

The most recent involves the appointment of the chief executive officer of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) Mohammad Shatar Sabran to the Board of Directors of Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), with effect from Aug 16 to Aug 15, 2024.

Gerak is bewildered by this appointment as it does not reflect any effort by the MOHE to improve professionalism in the management of higher education institutions.

It reflects continued poor and inconsistent decision-making with little reference to agreed policies in the ministry...