AUTONOMY is the means by which Malaysian universities will be transformed to the next level in the pursuit of academic excellence. That autonomy has proved to be an effective tool is evidenced worldwide. However, autonomy, as that which was announced for Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) by the prime minister recently does not come without accountability. Rather, it is intended that these institutions be more proactive, entrepreneurial and adaptable to changes in the ecosystem that are induced externally. This last would be morphing when necessary to embrace new disciplines like those induced by the Information Technology (IT) revolution of the late 20th century.
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