No more politics at convocations

Directive: Only those associated with private varsities can give away scrolls

SEREMBAN: The Higher Education Ministry wants private universities and colleges to keep politics out of convocation ceremonies.

They have been directed to not invite politicians, who have nothing to do with the tertiary institutions, to give away scrolls or address the crowd.

The ministry does not want such events to be “tainted” with politics or used by certain individuals as a platform to further personal agendas.

“It is imperative that we maintain high standards during such events so that these institutions can continue to promote excellence in education,” it said in its directive to the institutions.

“Therefore, only those associated in the academic field should be allowed to present the scrolls as we do not want convocation ceremonies to be turned into a platform for non-academic matters.”

Since the senate or academic board was the decision-making body on matters involving higher learning institutions, only its members should be allowed to give away scrolls, it added.

“This means that only the chancellor, vicechancellor, chief executive, president or rector are allowed to present the scrolls. To preserve the sanctity of such ceremonies, it is important that we do not allow any individual with political, business or other personal interests to be given prominence,” said the ministry.

Apparently, the directive, which was issued a couple of months ago, covers the awarding of all forms of scrolls, including certificates and post-graduate qualifications.

Malaysian Association of Private Colleges and Universities president Datuk Dr Parmjit Singh confirmed receiving the directive, but did not elaborate.

However, the private institutions, said the ministry, were allowed to invite political leaders, senior government officials and other influential individuals as guests or observers.

“But they are not allowed to take part in the event,” said the ministry, adding that it was also up to each institution to decide on the frequency of its convocation ceremonies in a year.

Urging private institutions to emulate the convocation ceremonies held by public universities, it said the atmosphere during these events should reflect their “credibility, integrity and high academic standards”.

“They must also incorporate local cultural values at such ceremonies and help realise the Government’s aim to make Malaysia a hub for tertiary education,” it said.