SINTOK, 27 May 2025: The Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Prof. Dato’ Dr Mohd Foad Sakdan, has called on all UUM staff to uphold the principles of good governance, accountability, and high integrity in their actions and financial management.
In his address at the UUM Monthly Staff Assembly this morning, he expressed concern over numerous reports of misconduct involving civil servants including those within the university staff.
Citing the latest National Audit Office Report, he highlighted that 24 cases of abuse of power within government agencies are currently under prosecution. These cases reportedly involve the misuse of supply contracts for personal gain.
“This situation serves as an important lesson to all of us. UUM will not tolerate any form of abuse of power or leaks that could tarnish UUM’s reputation,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also called on all UUM staff to foster a work culture grounded in integrity, transparency and accountability in every aspect of management.
“I urge all UUM staff to foster a work culture defined by integrity, transparency, and accountability.
“Let us unite to uphold the esteemed reputation of this University by rejecting all forms of misconduct and establishing UUM as a model for exemplary public financial management within the higher education sector,” he said during Monthly Staff Assembly held at the Auditorium, School of International Studies (SOIS).
He went on to describe the university’s current financial challenges in the context of broader economic pressures, both nationally and globally.
According to him, the Department of Statistics Malaysia, reported that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) recorded a growth rate of approximately 4.2% in the first quarter of 2025 – slightly below the initial projection.
“The impact of this dynamic has direct implications for the national economy, and subsequently, for the financial position of the public sector, including institutions such as UUM,” he added.
In addition, in alignment with the government’s initiatives, he also highlighted ongoing discussions regarding various economic strategies through the MADANI Economic Roadmap, which focuses on green growth, digital transformation, and fiscal reform.
“We must seize this opportunity to adapt our academic and training programmes to align with the current needs of the market and the country,” he said.
