Merger of varsities off

THE plan to merge Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) has been scrapped.

Other than the high costs involved, such a move would undermine the success both varsities have achieved in creating their identity, Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad (pic) said.

“Among the factors taken into consideration were the significant differences in focus, the coordination of existing academic faculties and research institutions, and the level of readiness between the two universities in shaping a unique future identity for themselves,” she said in a statement on May 22.

She said the Cabinet had come to a decision after taking into serious account the views of students and staff of both varsities which are located in Terengganu.

“We also looked at the implications of the merger and how it would affect the development of students in both universities,” she said.

Welcoming the “much anticipated good news”, UMT vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Nor Aieni Mokhtar said the institution’s alumni numbering over 30,000 and staff are grateful that all views were considered.

“The announcement comes at a time when we are facing so many uncertainties including the Covid19 pandemic. We are relieved that we can finally plan for the future.

“We are thankful that our staff can continue to contribute to the varsity and that their well-being and welfare will continue to taken care of.

“The philosophy and history of UMT cannot simply be erased,” she said, adding that the varsity is recognised as a higher education institution that is focused on marine and shipping industry research.

Its Oceanography and Environment Institute (INOS) and Institute Of Tropical Aquaculture (Akuatrop), she said, is an established reference centre for the industry.

On Sept 4 last year, the Cabinet had agreed in principle to the merger of UMT and UniSZA, which was seen as a move to strengthen the capacity of both universities in line with the 10 shifts of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-2025 (Higher Education).

But the planned move had resulted in protests from several quarters.

In January this year, Mohd Razali Singah – deputy president of the Combined Council of Presidents and Honorary Secretaries of University Unions/ IPTA in Malaysia, or Majlis Gabungan Presiden dan Setiausaha Kehormat Kesatuan Universiti/IPTA Malaysia (Gakum) – said stakeholders were not consulted on the move. UMT’s focus is on marine (studies) while UniSZA’s core areas are medicine and Islamic (studies), he had explained.

“If merged, UMT which used to be part of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), would lose its focus and drown.”