KAJANG: The National Council of Professors (MPN) has voiced its disagreement with the appointment of vice-chancellor and deputy vice-chancellor of public universities without the consent of the university committee.

Its president and chief executive officer, Professor Datuk Dr Raduan Che Rose said such appointments are against the usual procedures and current academic culture.

He said vice-chancellor and deputy vice-chancellor were the main leaders of public universities and their appointments fall under discretionary powers of the Minister of Higher Education, but it had to be assisted by a committee to select suitable candidates.

"I have been bombarded with many calls and complaints from academics who express their dissatisfaction with such appointments that do not go through normal channels. Among the complaints are candidates are not selected from the university senate members and do not possess a high leadership module," he told reporters at the MPN office here today.

According to him, candidates for these two positions must have key characteristics such as having high academic qualifications and skills in managing large organisations such as universities.

Raduan said the MPN urged the government to avoid appointments without the consent of the university committee to ensure that those appointed were the best individuals in the interest of the university.

"The academic field is an important investment for the country and it is hoped that by getting the best candidates, the standard of public universities will be able to be further improved to the international level," he said.

-- BERNAMA