23rd October 2018
STOP THE ROT IN UPNM
Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan (Patriot) views seriously the two reports in Malaysiakini regarding the sexual harassment case of a female lecturer (20 Oct) and the plagiarism case of a student (22 Oct). Both cases involved the Universiti Pertahanan Negara Malaysia (UPNM) and allegedly involved senior university officials and cover-ups.
The UPNM is the pride of the armed forces. Standards, discipline, and quality of education cannot and must not be compromised. Those appointed to be lecturers, including those seconded from the military, have to be qualified. There must not be any sub-standard teaching and marking of assignment and exam papers. Plagiarism among students as well as among academics must be viewed as total taboo with zero tolerance to it. The culture of ‘bodek’ (currying favour) among academics and staffs of the university must stop.
Towards this end it is utmost important to appoint people with caliber and integrity to positions of the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellors and Deans of faculties. It is only through appointing someone very capable to head the university and other key positions that the rot and nonsense often heard about in the university can stop. Incapable and unqualified persons holding top positions of the university will breed sub-standard and mediocrity, and perpetuate the disease.
With regards to the two cases reported, Patriot implores both the Ministers of Defence and Education to take quick action, investigate the cases thoroughly, and action be taken against those responsible for the wrongs, irrespective of any person holding any high office. The Pakatan government must now set a high standard of discipline, professionalism, and adopt a no-nonsense attitude towards sub-standard teaching and education. Starting with UPNM, a clear message to stop the rot must be sent, and that the government is serious.
BG Dato Mohamed Arshad Raji (Rtd)
President, Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan
(PPM-005-14-22052017)
www.patriotkebangsaan.org.my
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