I refer to your report Terence Gomez case: UM's explanation 'extraordinary' .

What a shame. Malaysia's loss of Terence Gomez can only be the gain for others. As a scholar myself, with great respect for Terence's scholarship, integrity and commitment, I am compelled to write that I have seen excellent colleagues lost as a result of such shortsighted thinking.

World-class scholars are lost as a result of parochial policies that fail to realise secondments bring back a richness of experience and networks. This gains not only the institution in terms of reputation but also colleagues.

However, of utmost importance are the students who gain not only the knowledge and maturity that such people bring but also the pride and motivation to learn.

This also enhances their self-belief in the ability, and indeed necessity, to exercise voice in a considered and rigorous manner - virtues necessary for the next generation of active thinkers involved increasingly in the global space of ideas and progressive contestation.