WITH POSITION COMES TRUST AND RESPONSIBILITY
UUM ONLINE: Approximately 200 Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) staff members attended the 2024 Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Key Office Bearers Governance Forum: Excellence in Work Culture held at Dewan Sri Angsana, UUM-EDC, Monday morning.
The Chairman of the UUM Board of Directors (LPU), Tan Sri Dr. Mohd Shukor Mahfar, stated that the UUM LPU has implemented the Fit and Proper Policy to ensure the appropriate selection of key office bearers at the university.
"The term "staff" refers to academic staff appointed by the Vice-Chancellor as Assistant Vice-Chancellors, Deans, Directors, Deputy Deans, Deputy Directors, Heads of Departments, Managers, and other positions established by the University to oversee administrative and academic responsibilities at the colleges, schools, or any other centres of authority.
"This is important for the Vice-Chancellor and UUM management to evaluate and find the most suitable individual to be appointed with the responsibility of upholding the university's trust. We aim to assess the staff’s level of dedication in fulfilling their assigned roles and responsibilities,” he said.
He congratulated the staff members who were appointed, effective January 1 January 2024 which included both familiar and new faces.
"This position comes with a package of trust and responsibility, where the appointment is not a guaranteed entitlement for the staff members but rather a 'privilege' aimed at assisting UUM in achieving success.
"The University Constitution establishes a hierarchical structure of authority, which includes the highest management body known as the LPU, the University Management Committee (JPU), and an assembly of officials who assist in providing input to the University Management Committee," he said.
According to him, autonomy refers to the authority granted to public universities to operate within a defined scope.
He explained that the LPU is responsible for the management, formulation of policies, and supervision of the university's progress. It also serves as a facilitator for the management process, facilitating the smooth progression of the journey.
"At LPU, we oversee the operation of the university and are given the authority to hire or dismiss staff," he added.
In addition, he said that the impetus of UUM is the strategic plan that encompasses financial sustainability, human resource development and physical development, academic excellence, governance, and the integrity of subsidiaries.
He served as the moderator of the forum, which included three panel members comprising a member of UUM Board of Directors, Mr. Zambri Mat; UUM Legal Adviser, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khadijah Mohamed and Director of RMC, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Idayu Mahat.
Meanwhile, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khadijah Mohamed said that governance violations can involve all categories of staff, both academic and administrative staff. She also shared several court cases and media reports related to misconduct and maladministration involving university staff.
"A position is a responsibility, and once appointed, it is important to fulfil your term with dignity. Ensuring trust goes beyond mere compliance, as it involves enabling effective service delivery. Before taking any action or making a decision, check and carefully consider its legality, ethical implications, and appropriateness," she said.
"Every day proceed to your workplace with the intention of transforming your conduct into a charitable deed, a way to exercise self-control. Remember that there will be someone observing our every move," she said.