"I wish I knew then what I know now."
That is a popular saying that has been repeated so many times that we don’t even really know who came up with it. This rings especially true with those who have had significant experiences in life.
Obviously referring to the accumulation of wisdom in life, I am fast realising this too. Oh how I would give to know then what I know now even if my life span has only been a mere 38 years.
There is a difference between intelligence and wisdom. A year-old baby can have traits and characteristics that can indicate intelligence at such a young age. But wisdom is definitely not there.
Wisdom is accumulated by knowledge, experience and age. And that's why we always see those who are wise tend to be those whose age are a little bit high on the ladder. Older and wiser, they say.
And now the delayed lead to my piece. The government needs to reconsider its recent decision to not continue the services of 156 contractual university professors between the ages of 61 and 70.
READ: NCP, public universities to discuss suggestion to extend retirement age of professors
In the public university sector where academic and research plays such an important role in the development and growth of the country, we need all the wisdom we can get to help steer it properly.
If at all, the field of academics and research should be the one field that we actually want to encourage the wisest minds to stay on and contribute the wisdom and knowledge they have accumulated.
Just to get the coveted title 'professor' or even 'associate professor' entails time, effort, dedication and commitment. It's no wonder, and rightfully so, that most of those who hold these titles are at a particular age.
I don't deny the fact that fresh and young minds are important too. But again, this is the field of knowledge. We need everything we can get, young or old, but definitely intelligent, knowledgeable and wise.
Also, one of the main reasons for the termination of the contracts, as stated by the National Council of Professors (MPN) chief executive Prof Datuk Dr Raduan Che Rose, is due to the national budget constraints.
And if the country is in dire times, then it would be more of a reason to make sure that the best of Malaysian minds are thinking and discussing on ways to improve the country.
The message that gets across shouldn't be that after a certain age, an individual stops being useful. Sure there is a retirement age. But the mind doesn't retire at old age. It is like wine; it gets better with age.
Unless, of course, these professors who are aged between 61 and 70 are expected to bring back the glory days of Malaysian football. That could be a difficult task, considering their age.
Zan Azlee
Thu Feb 25 2016
Fresh and young minds are important too, but in the field of knowledge, older is definitely wiser.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.