{
  "id": 19245318,
  "title": "Academics call for fairer promotions, greater accountability in university reforms",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/academics-call-for-fairer-promotions-greater-accountability-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-09T23:20:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/11/1574310/academics-call-fairer-promotions-greater-accountability-university"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia is set to overhaul its higher education system through the planned repeal of the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU). Academics are calling for fairer promotions, greater accountability, and stronger protection against abuse of power in the reforms. A senior professor on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia expressed concern over the declining respect for educators, stating that policies have often prioritized students over lecturers. She recounted instances where lecturers with decades of teaching and research experience were denied career advancement, and complained to the Higher Education Ministry without success. However, she emphasized that protecting lecturers does not mean excusing those who consistently fail to meet their responsibilities.\n\nThe professor argued that if lecturers consistently underperform despite fair opportunities to improve, an exit policy should be considered. She stressed the need for universities and the ministry to hold each other accountable, warning against the continuation of poor performance, abuse of power, and double standards while promoting the idea of excellence in higher education.\n\nAn associate professor in East Malaysia echoed similar sentiments, lamenting how lecturers' welfare is undermined by bureaucracy and inadequate institutional support. He revealed that he had to use his own salary to finance an overseas academic placement despite qualifying for university assistance. The associate professor emphasized that promotions should be based on scholarly achievements, such as research, publications, and postgraduate supervision, rather than administrative positions or personal connections. He criticized favoritism and inconsistent promotion requirements, calling for stringent academic standards to be applied fairly.\n\nThe associate professor also advocated for universities to reduce compulsory activities that distract lecturers from teaching and research, emphasizing that community service should not be a mandatory criterion for lecturers. He urged universities to prioritize academic merit, cut unnecessary administrative spending, and ensure fair treatment of lecturers.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Lecturers want greater respect, fairer career opportunities and stronger protection against abuse of power as Malaysia prepares to overhaul its higher education system.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}