The government's decision to implement a system based on meritocracy for the next intake of university students was a 'revenge tactic', an opposition leader said today.

PAS Youth chief Mahfuz Omar said the call was "irrational", "inappropriate", "useless" and was meant to clamp down on Malay students who were against the Barisan Nasional (BN).

He said the move announced by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad contravened with the Malay special rights provision in the Federal Constitution.

"Dr Mahathir Mohamad thinks he will be satisfied when he sees Malays suffer by not being able to obtain places in universities," he said in a press statement.

The premier had warned recently that the bumiputra quota for varsity intakes would be slashed to curb 'negative activities' among students.

Yesterday, Mahathir said the government will implement a system based on meritocracy for the next intake despite protest from local academics.

He said the move was necessary as there were many students who obtained places with low academic results and were more interested in political activities than their studies.

"We give them a chance to acquire tertiary education qualifications and in return they threaten us," said Mahathir.

The premier also said that students and academics would be required to sign an agreement with the university that they would concentrate on their studies and work, and not indulge in anti-government activities.

'Extortion technique'

Mahfuz said that BN was arrogant by wanting to show that without it, students would not be able to enter universities or build their future.

"This extortion technique is used by BN to win back Malay votes even though it is done by force,"he added.

Mahfuz urged the government to reconsider the meritocracy system as the situation does not really demand for it.

The number of Malay drop-outs is currently lesser than what was usually portrayed, he said.

He added that if the quota system was abolished, Malay students (from poor background) will be unable to further their education and may be entangled in social problems.

Mahfuz said the BN was using this strategy to also seduce Chinese voters after making several blunders such as setting aside the recommendations of Suqiu ( Malaysian Chinese Organisation's Election Appeals Committee) which among others, called for the abolishment of Malay special rights.

The other blunders include, suppressing the community's right to mother tongue language and the 'death of press freedom' following the recent takeover of Nanyang Siang Pau and China Press by MCA, he said.

"We are surprised how Umno can victimise their own race to gain political mileage," said Mahfuz.

"When Suqiu requested a review of the quota system they were met with harsh reactions from Umno and now Umno itself wants to abolish the quota system," he added.