Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) is out of bounds for non-Bumi students, Higher Education Minister Dr Shafie Salleh declared today.

"As the Higher Education Minister, I will never allow non-Bumiputera students to enter UiTM. I will not compromise on this matter," he said to the applause of Umno delegates when winding up the debate at the Umno general assembly today.

According to a Bernama report, Shafie said UiTM would continue to remain under his ministry and not under Mara as suggested by a delegate when debating the motion on socio-economy.

Shafie also said that with the approval of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) would revert to its founding objective to focus on agriculture to develop the Malays engaged in the economically-promising sector.

"I've met with agriculture professors and I told them that I want them to go down to the padi fields with their students to feel the pulse of the villagers.

"If professors from Thailand can do it, why not we," he said.

High Malay quota

On meritocracy, Dr Shafie said after the system had been implemented for three times, the percentage of Bumiputera students entering universities increased compared to the era of quota system under which Bumiputeras were allocated 55 per cent.

"As the Higher Education Minister, I will ensure the quota of Malay students' entry into universities is always higher," he said.

Shafie who lost his supreme council seat on Thursday said university authorities had been asked to make available more places, especially in critical disciplines, for Malay students.

He also said more community colleges would be set up country-wide to ensure Bumiputera students received certificate-level education before pursuing their studies to polytechnic and university levels.