Let TAR UC vote on its destiny like Brexit

ADUN SPEAKS | Yesterday, the world witnessed the momentous history made by the British people in the landslide victory of the pro-Brexit Conservative Party. In the end, it was abundantly clear that Britain’s destiny lies in their own hands.

Before the Brexit referendum, all the polls and conventional wisdom were that Britain would reject Brexit because of economic considerations. They were humiliatingly proven wrong.

TAR UC had been embroiled in protracted controversies. The government had asked for the university to be rid of unconstitutional dictates from a single political party. 

MCA responded by hysterically accusing the government of parable-like castration due to loss of access of a princely sum of RM40 million in funding.

The real stakeholders, the students and teaching staff, as well as the alumni who deeply care and are concerned about TAR UC have been side-lined. 

Many can only despair and suffer in silence, afraid to speak up in fear of being punished. Some have publicly spoken up for TAR UC to be returned to its rightful place.

In the true spirit of a real democracy, when a difficult and irreconcilable difference of opinions arises, a vote is called for in the form of a secret ballot. The outcome will be respected by all parties concerned as the way to chart the future ahead.

It is time to call for a vote to make the wishes of the TARUC stakeholders known. The board of trustees, as the custodians and not the owners, must respect the majority decision of the people.

The issues to be decided include:

1. The separation of politics from education

2. The election of the members to the board of trustees

If the majority choose MCA to retain control over TAR UC, they can elect appropriate individual MCA leaders. 

The government should then work together with the new board of trustees without further questions. The election should be held every three years.

If the ballot decides for TAR UC to be rid of power-crazed political control, nobody with a significant political background, connection or influence should be eligible for election to the board.

It is time we move on from the acrimonious recrimination. The unheard voices of the students and the Chinese society mandate TAR UC hold a ballot with respect to their wishes as in the UK.

Remain or Brexit for TAR UC? Let’s get it done. 

KO CHUNG SEN is state assemblyperson for Kepayang.

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