No decision yet on new VC for UMS, says Ongkili

KOTA KINABALU: There is no decision yet on the replacement for the vicechancellor of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), says Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.

He added that social media reports which claimed that a nonSabahan would replace retiring vicechancellor Prof Dr Mohd Harun Abdullah was speculative.

In a statement issued here, Dr Ongkili said he had raised the matter with Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh in the last Cabinet meeting.

“He has confirmed that the selection committee has not forwarded any recommendation for the new VC (vicechancellor) for UMS.

“As acting Parti Bersatu Sabah president, I have conveyed to him (Idris) that it would not be acceptable for the selection committee to conclude that there are no qualified Sabahans to fill the post of VC since the last two VCs were local Sabahans,” Dr Ongkili said.

He said that under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) safeguards, the appointment of senior posts in the Federal civil service should be made among those of local origin.

“I am confident that the Higher Education Ministry will comply to this MA63 safeguard,” he added.