New head of Indian Studies Dept will be named soon (Malaysiakini)

K Pragalath

Last year’s controversy over the Universiti Malaya Indian Studies Department’s (ISD) non-Indian head is expected to be resolved soon.

The university’s deputy vice-chancellor, Hamzah Abdul Rahman (right) confirmed that a new head for the ISD would be appointed by May or June this year.

“Presently we have received 35 applications for the position. A total of 11 Indians have been shortlisted based on merit,” Hamzah said.

The ISD was in the spotlight last year following a decision to appoint a Malay lecturer as the department’s head on the basis that there were too much internal politicking.

The decision did not go down well with Indian NGOs and the MIC who called for intervention into the department’s administrative affairs.

Following that, vice-chancellor Ghauth Jasmon said that the staff was given three months to resolve internal issues within.

Yesterday MIC Youth, led by its secretary-general C Sivarajah, sent a memorandum to the vice-chancellor’s office calling for an Indian to be appointed.

They have recommended former department head K Thilagavathy to lead the ISD.

When asked about MIC Youth’s recommendation, Hamzah said that he is not sure whether Thilagavathy had submitted her application for the job.

HINDRAF/HRP Letter to PM on Indian Studies Department:- http://www.humanrightspartymalaysia.com/2009/09/08/unconstitutional-downgrading-of-the-indian-studies-department-at-university-malaya/