Malaysia makes quality sales pitch

Malaysia is tinkering with the idea of bringing state and private universities in line on degree accreditation in a move designed to further its ambition to become a regional centre of academic excellence.

The proposal would take away the autonomy of state universities to monitor and vet the quality of their certificates and degrees as provided under the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971.

Private universities are soon to be monitored by a national accreditation board. Education minister Datuk seri Najib Razak has revealed that the board's powers may be extended to cover state universities.

Mr Najib said the measure formed part of the government's reform of higher education management to ensure the quality of certificates, diplomas and degrees and create a culture of excellence in both private and public sectors.

He said the board would help instil public faith in the quality of higher education while ensuring accountability among institutions. Its success would help realise the aim of making Malaysia the region's academic centre of excellence and turn education into an export commodity.

The board will have a chairman appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the elected King of Malaysia) who will also serve as the chief executive.

The Lembaga Akreditasi Negara Bill 1996 states that the board's roles include formulating and running course-quality policies, determining the level of achievement in the national language and compulsory subjects. It also advises the minister on the approval of courses.

The reforms mean private universities can offer degree courses. Until now they have only been allowed to offer programmes on a twinning basis, after getting permission from the ministry's private education department. Programmes given the go-ahead before the 1995 Private Higher Education Act will continue, but the board has the power to monitor and review them.