The Malaysian academic movement Gerak has recently issued a memorandum containing proposals for higher education reform in the country. These proposals have been discussed extensively in public forums and with various officials over the years. The movement, along with many others in government, academia, and civil society, believes that these reforms are not only urgent but also realistic and achievable with the right political will and administrative support.
One of the key proposals put forth by Gerak is the need for a special budgetary allocation to conduct a thorough, transparent, and independent study of the state of the higher education sector in Malaysia. This study would serve as the foundation for future education reform initiatives. Gerak suggests that a royal commission of inquiry would be the ideal mechanism for conducting this study, as it would provide a comprehensive assessment of the entire education system from pre-school to tertiary level.
Another critical reform proposed by Gerak is the restructuring of university administration. The movement argues that Malaysia’s universities have long been under the control of the Ministry of Higher Education, leading to a lack of independent and analytical voices within university management. Gerak calls for a reset of this relationship, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and critical engagement between university administrators and government officials.
In addition to administrative restructuring, Gerak also advocates for the amendment and repeal of laws that stifle academic freedom in Malaysia. The movement specifically calls for the repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA), which it views as an authoritarian piece of legislation that undermines the principles of academic freedom and human rights. Gerak urges the government to replace the UUCA with legislation that protects the autonomy and freedom of university students and staff.
Furthermore, Gerak highlights the need to address academic dishonesty in Malaysian universities, particularly the practice of forced co-authorship of research articles. The movement argues that such practices undermine academic integrity and exploit both students and academic staff. Gerak also calls for a transformation of the corporate culture within universities, advocating for the removal of the clocking-in system, which it views as demeaning and unnecessary in an academic setting.
Overall, Gerak’s memorandum outlines a comprehensive set of proposals aimed at reforming Malaysia’s higher education sector. The movement believes that these reforms are essential for reclaiming the autonomy and freedom of Malaysian universities and academia, ultimately leading to the production of academic excellence needed for the country to thrive as an inclusive, civilised, pluralistic, and productive nation. With the right support and commitment from the Ministry of Higher Education and other stakeholders, Gerak is confident that these reforms can be successfully implemented to benefit the entire education system in Malaysia.