Proposal to extend professors' retirement age subject to JPA's approval - Idris Jusoh

The proposal to extend the retirement age of professors at public universities is subjected to the Public Service Department (JPA) and requires the approval of the cabinet, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.

He said he had held a discussion with the National Council of Professors (MPN) on Monday to find a short-term solution to the issue.

"We discussed with MPN to see how the ministry can assess and solve the problem on a case by case basis.

"We also discussed how we and the university can help with the economic constraints faced today," he told reporters after having a 'blind futsal' game with students with disabilities at Universiti Malaya here, Tuesday.

Last week, MPN reportedly said a total of 156 contract professors aged 61 to 70 years who are employed with local public universities did not have their contracts renewed due to budget constraints.

MPN recommended that the retirement age be extended to 65 years.

Meanwhile, Idris said the infrastructure and leisure facilities available for students with disabilities in public universities were still very basic and needed to be upgraded to facilitate their involvement in sports in the campus.

"I am impressed with the abilities of students with disabilities here. With their vision impaired, they relied heavily on their sense of hearing to play the game.

"The universities must look into ways to give these students the opportunity to enjoy sports," he added.