Maszlee: Academy of Professors Malaysia already exists to replace NPC

Former education minister Maszlee Malik has reminded the government of the existing Academy of Professors Malaysia founded during Pakatan Harapan’s first stint in Putrajaya to replace the National Professors Council (NPC).

Maszlee (above), who currently heads the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies, said functions of the civil society group should be strengthened in response to recent findings into the operations of the NPC.

“Unlike the NPC, the academy draws expertise from professors and associate professors from all institutions of higher education in Malaysia.

“The academy is managed by a council appointed by its members for a period of two years.

“Through this structure, the cabinet at the time was of the view that this organisation will truly represent the views of professors and academics in Malaysia,” said the former Simpang Renggam MP in reference to former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s administration.

Yesterday, government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil said the current cabinet has yet to decide on the status of the NPC following recommendations by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to consider its relevance.

The PAC previously identified several concerns including the inability to determine NPC’s effectiveness and functions.

“This is because the key performance indicators (KPIs) were not established or reported to the Prime Minister’s Department (PMD), and funds were misallocated, with money not being channelled to the relevant chapters.

“As a result, NPC’s activities have not been carried out in line with its founding objectives in 2014,” said PAC chairperson Mas Ermieyati Samsudin.

Commenting further, Maszlee said he believes there is no need for the government to revive the NPC or set up another new organisation to support Malaysian professions.

“The most reasonable step is to strengthen the academy,” he added.

In July, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Musfata announced that the government would reassess the NPC’s status following findings in the Auditor-General’s Report, which revealed that the NPC had used RM373,516 to fund two companies owned by members of its board of trustees.

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