THE proposed merger between Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) has seen mixed responses from various groups. Merging the two institutions has its pros and cons.
The key reasons for the merger by the government are escalating operational costs and a drop in UMT ranking.
In taking a middle path, I suggest the merger be given a longer grace period than the proposed six months.
I “grew up” at UniSZA (previously known as Kolej Ugama Sultan Zainal Abidin). I have fond memories as a boy growing up during the time my father served the institution from 1986 to 1993.
UniSZA, which focuses on Islamic studies, is the best varsity in the east coast for this area of study. It is known for producing the nation’s scholars and leaders.
A merger will make UniSZA lose its niche, credentials and history.
Meanwhile, UMT is known for its marine and ocean-based programmes as Terengganu is rich in ocean biodiversity. A merger will affect the development of maritime programmes.
It will be a drawback to the varsities, especially UMT.
The branding of UMT in maritime programmes, international recognition and collaborations with other institutions will be lost. Years of hard work and funds invested will go down the drain.
An in-depth review of feedback from stakeholders, including the state government, top management, students and the community, should be done. A merger will lead to greater savings, but the yearly budget is a small amount compared with that of other research universities.
The best way forward is to provide a grace period of between three and five years to reduce expenditures.
The Education Ministry can set a target for the varsities to increase their ranking within this period.
As the management and staff are under pressure due to the merger proposal, they may perform better and boost their productivity.
People work best when under pressure. This is a chance for both varsities to prove that they can excel and that there is no need for a merger.
It’s a win-win solution for all parties.
MUHAMMAD ASHRAF FAURI
Senior lecturer, Faculty of Industrial Management, Universiti Malaysia
Pahang