There are many burdensome legacies of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's administration which must now be borne by the administration of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi or Pak Lah, as he is popularly known.

There is a series of blunders by his predecessor which he must correct. Among them, are extravagant projects, widespread corruption and a chaotic education system.

Some days ago, the new premier had set straight one such blunder. He exhumed and revived the Mara Institute of Technology (ITM), which was 'buried' by the former premier.

In his eagerness to elevate the status of ITM to that of a university in 1999, by accident or by design, Mahathir performed the last rites for the institution.

In an ill-considered move aimed at making the ITM issue election capital, Universiti Institut Teknologi Malaysia (UiTM) was established, resulting in the demise of ITM.

What was wrong?

Mahathir had committed a strategic error. By right, UiTM should have been established alongside ITM, just like how the Tunku Abdul Rahman (TAR) college stands alongside its fledgling university version or UTAR.

The loss of ITM from the nation's education system was too much for the Malays to bear. Many were aggrieved and disappointed when the institution which had trained so many Malay technocrats and professionals vanished so suddenly.

What was wrong with ITM? What was so lacking in ITM that warranted its burial?

Thankfully, Pak Lah's administration is aware of the blunder. It is still not too late to correct the situation.

This time, we cannot afford another strategic error or to waste time. Time goes by quickly. Other races are progressing while the Malays are engrossed with political fantasies.

Expediting the re-instated intake of ITM students for the November session is a brilliant and apt move. Students who are qualified but cannot obtain places in other institutions of higher education should be given the opportunity to further their education at the certificate and diploma levels.

Symbol of progress

When prominent educationists including former ITM director Arshad Ayub wanted ITM to be revived, they were not just being nostalgic but they truly valued the capabilities of the institution.

They realised that although ITM only had a college status, it was no ordinary college.

To them, ITM was the Malay symbol of progress in the field of education and technology. For the last 30 years, it had trained graduates with a distinctive quality and image. Society, in particular the private sector, knew that ITM graduates were fluent in English and versatile.

Though only conferred diplomas, they could compete with graduates from universities. Those from ITM during the 1970s and 80s were most respected. They were very marketable in the private sector, and considered better than graduates from local universities.

Pre-1999 products of ITM were all complete packages. They represented the new Malays who could compete with other races, as evidenced by the many from their ranks who have become successful entrepreneurs, skilled managers, and respected technocrats and professionals.

ITM was like the goose that laid golden eggs. Unfortunately, it was slaughtered by a Malay on the excuses of meritocracy and eradication of the subsidy mentality.

Quality, not quantity

But things have changed. As such, it is hoped that the new ITM will be set up carefully and with a clear sense of direction. Graduates must have open minds and be capable of competing in a globalised world.

The new ITM must produce graduates who are respected by other races. Not only must they be knowledgeable in their respective fields, they should also be skilled and possess strong morals.

If these cannot be achieved, then it is pointless for ITM to be revived.

The glory of ITM over the past three decades should be both a lesson and guide. It should not be made into another Akademi Fantasia.

ITM must contribute towards the development and progress of religion, nation and race.

AMAN RAIS is a former journalist who served with several mainstream papers. He abandoned his career as a 'pro-government reporter' to write freelance in pursuit of more effective and open avenues for his endeavours.