Proposal to extend professors’ retirement age subject to JPA approval, says minister

The proposal to extend the retirement age of professors at public universities is subjected to the Public Service Department (JPA) and requires Cabinet approval, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh. He said he had held a discussion with the National Council of Professors (MPN) yesterday 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." 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. – Bernama, March 1, 2016.]]>