KUALA LUMPUR: The Higher Education Ministry has no authority over the conduct, behaviour, or statements made by graduates who have successfully completed their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Minister Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin said a PhD did not automatically certify one as an expert or a know-it-all.
"The graduate may be an expert in a particular field and not the rest. That is why we are facing what has been raised by some of the members of parliament.
"… we will be more strict after this in determining who can follow the PhD programmes and so on," he said in his winding-up speech on the 2024 Supply Bill at the committee stage for the ministry in Dewan Rakyat today.
He further added; "It is unfortunate when it happens to a graduate from a renowned university such as USM (Universiti Sains Malaysia)."
Earlier, Jelutong MP RSN Rayer in his debate today called on the Higher Education Ministry to check on the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) awarded by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
This was after a PhD graduate from the university issued statements linking DAP leaders with communism.
Despite no name being mentioned by Rayer, it is learnt that he was referring to Kepala Batas MP Dr Siti Mastura Muhammad.
Siti Mastura during one of the programmes in Kemaman, Terengganu reportedly said the former finance minister and several DAP leaders had ties with former Communist Party chief Chin Peng and Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew.
Siti Mastura has a master's degree and a doctorate awarded by USM in the field of Islamic development and management.
In another development, Khaled said another amendment to the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (Auku) will be made during the next parliamentary sitting.
"The amendment is to give continuous freedom to the students.
"After this, there will be no restrictions for the students."