The Ministry of Education was today urged to investigate the case of Nik Nor Ermiza Rozana Mustaffa who was discouraged by the International Islamic University Malaysia (UIA) from continuing her studies there because of her physical disability.

According to a report in Utusan Malaysia yesterday, Ermiza who stands at only 94 cm and suffers from other "physical disabilities", was "forced" to reject the offer by UIA after she was told that the university does not provide facilities for students of her condition.

Ermiza, 20, who obtained five principals in last year's Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) was offered by the university earlier to read Syariah law.

However, when she went to register at the university on April 6, accompanied by her father, she was told the university cannot guarantee her success as "no one can help her in her physical condition" and that UIA does not have facilities for the disabled.

In a statement today, DAP member of Parliament for Batu Gajah, Fong Po Kuan, said the Education Ministry was duty-bound to investigate this case as a qualified and bright Malaysian student has been denied the opportunity to gain tertiary education.

She called on local institutions of higher learning to provide "user-friendly" facilities for the disabled so as to enable them to further their education and contribute towards national development.

Assist disabled students

The MP said the government must assist intelligent and bright but disabled students like Ermiza to gain tertiary education in the country as Malaysia is now striving to become a centre of academic excellence in the region.

Contacted by malaysiakini later, Fong claimed that Ermiza signed the rejection letter involuntarily after she felt demoralised by what the university told her.

Fong, who is also an UIA graduate, hoped the ministry would investigate the matter expeditiously so that Ermiza could continue with her studies.

Ermiza, from Besut, Terengganu had also expressed her disappointment over the predicament she is facing.

"What can I do. My life is fated. I was born in this condition," she told Utusan Malaysia

Ermiza said her father had accompanied her to school all throughout her schooling years but "if I'm in university, my father will not be beside me anymore".

She said if given the chance to enter UIA again, she would grab it. She expressed remorse at signing the rejection letter without second thought on April 6.

Meanwhile, UIA administrators could not be reached for comment.