KOTA SAMARAHAN: Datuk Abdullah Saidol has dismissed claims regarding non-Bumiputera admissions to Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), emphasising its continued role as a premier educational institution for Bumiputera students.
The Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS) asserted that the issue of non-Bumiputera admissions to UiTM has never been discussed or become a contentious issue.
“I take note of that situation but am unaware of how that issue could arise.
“I am confident that there are allocations in place to maintain UiTM as a platform or repository for Bumiputera to receive the best education.
“We acknowledge that many Bumiputera from rural areas may not all have the means. But it’s not like there are no other universities to attend,” he said.
He made these remarks in response to a reported issue suggesting that UiTM should accept non-Bumiputera students for enrollment in postgraduate studies.
As such, Abdullah encouraged UiTM students and alumni to demonstrate the institution’s excellence, reiterating UiTM’s capability to produce high-quality graduates and engage in diverse fields.
“Instead of dwelling on that, it’s better to prove that we can, show that we are not a third-rate educational institution.”
Earlier this month, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir confirmed in a statement that there have been no discussions at any level regarding non-Bumiputera admissions to UiTM.
In the statement, he stressed that the ministry has never discussed or allowed UiTM to be opened to non-Bumiputera students as alleged.
He said the issue was deliberately made polemical and played up by certain parties trying to disrupt policies and original objectives of establishing UiTM, thereby causing confusion and various disputes.
“The ministry strictly adheres to Clause 1A of Act 173, which states that UiTM was established in accordance with the provisions of Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.”
