Perkasa opposes any move to open UiTM to non-bumis

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Malay rights NGO Perkasa opposes the proposal by Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) pro-chancellor Arshad Ayub to open the institution to non-bumiputeras, even if it is for post-graduate courses

Its education bureau chairperson Sirajuddin Salleh said with respect to Arshad, Perkasa views the proposal seriously.

"UITM is an educational institution that is an icon for bumiputeras. We object opening even one percent (of the enrolment to non bumiputras) as the experience, post-Merdeka, shows the non-bumiputeras would continue to seek more.

"We are puzzled by Arshad's suggestion, for he is painting a picture that the thousands of graduates produced (by UiTM) are not of good qualify, not competitive. Are they just `juara kampung'?" Sirajuddin ( photo ) asked.

Isn't it true, he further asked, that thousands of UiTM graduates have become businesspersons and successfully work in the corporate sector and also overseas?

Sirajuddin said his experience in the hiring of civil servants showed that UiTM graduates are as capable as the other graduates.

"In fact, they have interpersonal qualities and their command of the English language is good. Hence, Perkasa urges UiTM graduates to rise and protect the only tertiary institution which has become the beacon for the bumiputera community," he said.

UiTM's Arshad proposed that opportunities be given to non-bumiputeras to study at the university to encourage healthy competition and produce more intellectuals among university students.

Arshad said these opportunities should be opened at the Master’s and doctorate in philosophy (PhD) levels and not at diploma and bachelor's degree levels.

"I think perhaps the time has come for us to consider this matter, which is maybe in a small percentage - giving opportunities for non-bumiputera students out there to pursue their Masters and PhD in UiTM.”

Arshad said the matter should be considered in view that the world was now very challenging, with a wider competition.



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