16.2.1 Elected representation

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) demonstrates robust elected representation on its highest governing body the University Senate ensuring inclusive, democratic participation from students (undergraduate and graduate), faculty, and non-faculty staff, as mandated by the UTM Constitution and aligned with the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971. The Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar (MPP), elected annually through campus-wide student elections organized by the Office of Student Affairs, comprises 30–35 undergraduate and postgraduate representatives who actively serve on the Senate, voicing student perspectives on curriculum, welfare, sustainability, and campus policies; MPP leaders undergo rigorous campaigns and manifestos, with the President and deputies holding ex-officio Senate seats to advocate for over 20,000 students. Faculty representation is secured through elected Senate members from each of the 11 faculties and schools, where academic staff vote for deans, deputy deans, and senior professors to serve fixed terms, ensuring disciplinary expertise informs strategic decisions on research, teaching, and SDG integration. Non-faculty staff are democratically represented via the Kesatuan Kakitangan Am Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (KKAUTM), a registered union electing executive committee members every three years from administrative, technical, and support staff across campuses; KKAUTM’s President and key officers hold designated Senate observer or advisory roles, addressing employment conditions, professional development, and campus operations. Complementing this, the Persatuan Pegawai Tadbir dan Iktisas (PERTISAS) chapter at UTM elects mid to senior level administrative professionals to represent non-academic managerial staff, with elected officials participating in Senate sub-committees on governance and resource allocation. This tripartite elected structure students via MPP, faculty via faculty elections, and staff via KKAUTM and PERTISAS ensures balanced, transparent governance, with Senate minutes publicly accessible and annual reports reflecting constituent-driven reforms, such as enhanced mental health services, green campus initiatives, and equitable workload policies. Regular town halls, digital feedback portals, and constitutional reviews further empower these elected bodies, embedding accountability and inclusivity in UTM’s highest decision-making forum.

Source:

https://studentaffairs.utm.my/mpp/

https://www.utm.my/about/senate-members/

https://persatuan.utm.my/kkautm/exco/

https://pertisas.utm.my/2020-2022-2/