The Higher Education Ministry of Malaysia has reaffirmed that the suggestion to open Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) admissions to non-bumiputra students has never been discussed in any ministry or Cabinet meetings. This clear stance comes in response to ongoing controversies that have arisen around the issue.
Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir, the Minister of Higher Education, emphasized that the ministry remains committed to maintaining UiTM's original policy and objectives. He said certain parties of deliberately creating controversy to undermine UiTM's foundational principles, leading to unnecessary confusion and disputes among various stakeholders.
“As I stated on May 2, the ministry has never discussed or permitted the admission of non-bumiputra students to UiTM, as has been played up,” Zambry announced in a statement on Wednesday, May 15. He reiterated that the Higher Education Ministry strictly adheres to Clause 1A of Act 173, which mandates that UiTM was established under the provisions of Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.
The debate intensified following comments from the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), which urged UiTM to temporarily open its postgraduate cardiothoracic surgery program to non-bumiputra Malaysian students. The MMA President highlighted a critical shortage of specialists in the country, especially cardiothoracic surgeons, arguing that this scarcity leads to prolonged waiting periods for critical surgeries and unnecessary deaths.
In response, UiTM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr. Shahrin Sahib reiterated that the university's enrolment policy remains steadfast. He assured that there would be no discussions in the UiTM Senate or University Executive Council meetings regarding any changes to this policy. “UiTM strictly follows Clause 1A of Act 173, which established the university in line with the provisions of Article 153 of the Federal Constitution” Shahrin stated.
Shahrin also called on students to focus on their studies, emphasizing the importance of their educational journey. “I urge all students to concentrate on fulfilling their responsibilities. Utilize your valuable time to study and acquire as much knowledge as you can for an uncertain future. This is the true challenge of being a student," he encouraged.
The issue of UiTM’s admissions policy is a sensitive one, deeply rooted in the historical context and socio-political framework of Malaysia. UiTM was set up as a higher education institution specifically for bumiputra students, aiming to uplift and provide opportunities to this demographic as part of the broader affirmative action policies enshrined in the Malaysian Constitution.
While the need for more specialists, like cardiothoracic surgeons, is undeniable, the solution to such national challenges remains complex. It involves balancing the original mission of institutions like UiTM with the pressing healthcare needs of the nation. For now, both the Higher Education Ministry and UiTM's administration have made it clear that any alteration to the current admissions policy is not on the agenda, maintaining their commitment to the university’s founding principles and objectives.
By: Kpost
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