The five universities are Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu and Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Abdul Rahman Mohd Nordin, secretary-general of the umbrella body for civil services unions, said the delay affected the administrative operations and the direction of each university.

In a statement, he also said it could impact the full potential of higher education, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Abdul Rahman noted that the minister of higher education was responsible for appointing and terminating individuals holding the position. The deputy vice-chancellor would typically fill the vacancy for a specified period of time, he added.

“Although the deputy vice-chancellor is an experienced individual, there are some constraints that prevent him from fully carrying out his duties.

“Staff welfare matters, especially support groups, cannot be properly defended due to the absence of the vice-chancellor, who is always referred to for staff issues,” he said.

Abdul Rahman said there was a need to immediately appoint new vice-chancellors to enable all university administrations to operate as usual and implement their respective visions and missions.