Sejahtera Academic Framework (SAF)

152 151 MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER IN SAF Dzulkifli Abdul Razak SAF (the acronym for Sejahtera Academic Framework) literally in Arabic means a “straight line” – ranks and file. In the Qur’ān ( Surah 61:4), it refers to “a row as though they are a [single] structure joined firmly.” In congregational prayers, the saf is of prime importance to epitomise unity, unison and unified higher purpose in the devotion to the Almighty. The surah encourages Muslims and urges them to perfect their faith and trust in God and to defend the Truth no matter what the cost would be. It encourages them to struggle and fight in the cause of God and gives examples from the lives of prophets Moses and Jesus and their struggle and appeal to their people. Lastly it ends with a glad tiding of victory and that the belief in God will prevail. At the outset (61: 2-3), the believers are asked: O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do? They have been warned that in the sight of God, it is hateful indeed for those who say one thing and do another. He loves those who fight in the cause of the Truth, "standing like a solid structure, against the enemies of God." Figuratively, this volume reflects the same in many ways. Namely, it is intended to align the various aspects of SAF as discussed without losing their connectivity in bringing out transformative changes using the whole institution approach. It is akin to “single structure joined firmly” as described in the Surah. This is to ensure that Truth is defended at all cost which is the true purpose of knowledge-seeking in IIUM, and Islam generally. And that is consequent to the faith and trust in God, which is also alluded to by the FPK. The contrast is also clear, in that, not doing what is being advocated. In the case of SAF, it refers to the aims and goals as spelt out at the outset in Humanising Education for Raḥmatan lil- ʿ Ā lamīn . This includes the nexus of concepts, frameworks, principles and approaches enumerated in the volume. Thus, walking the talk “in the cause of Truth.” From the organisation viewpoint it could take on other dimensions as well in arriving at the Truth. One such practice relates to good governance as articulated by the International Bureau of Education (IBE), an agency of UNESCO. Being an educational institution that aspires to be active internationally, such an understanding is imperative. It cannot be overemphasised that IBE recognises “the various sources of systematic barriers within education systems that could derail the design, development, and implementation of quality curricula. Even the best curriculum can be undermined by systematic constraints such as poor governance [and] insufficient consultation with stakeholders in the decision- making process.” Good Governance in Education IBE defines the concept of governance to represent “the norms, values and rules of the game through which public affairs are managed in a manner that is transparent, participatory, inclusive and responsive.” In addition, it refers “to structures and processes that are designed to ensure accountability, transparency, responsiveness, rule of law, stability, equity and inclusiveness, empowerment, and broad-based participation.” In a broad sense, governance is about the culture and institutional environment in which citizens and stakeholders interact among themselves and participate in public affairs. It is more than the organs of the government. It therefore can be subtle and may not be easily observable, a point that is often missed when one is fixated to the rule of law, or the exercise of authority or power, as some understand what good governance is conventionally. More interestingly, IBE cited that governance has also been interpreted as ‘power relationships,’ ‘formal and informal processes of formulating policies and allocating resources,’ ‘processes of decision-making’ and ‘mechanisms for holding governments accountable. ’ (emphasis added). In this regard, it is crucial to differentiate “governance” from “management” so as to avoid confusion and the tendency to equate the two. From the IBE standpoint, “management” refers primarily “to the planning, implementation and monitoring functions in order to achieve pre-defined results. Management encompasses processes, structures and arrangements that are designed to mobilize and transform the available physical, human and financial resources Eight elements of Good Governance