Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TARC) graduates have been advised NOT to apply for positions in the civil service - chances are they will be rejected.

The alternative? Go and join the private sector. There are plenty of jobs for TARC grads.

This is the advice from a TARC spokesperson today following a report of TARC graduate Soo Pak Leong whose applications to join the police force were rejected on several occasions.

Soo's problem was simple - his degree, a Bacher of Science from TARC is not recognised by the Public Service Department (PSD).

The spokesperson who spoke to malaysiakini on condition of anonymity also said there is no need to inform students that TARC diplomas and advance diplomas are not recognised by the civil service because these qualifications are marketable in the private sector.

"There are many multi-national companies as well as established regional companies which recognise TARC qualifications.

"Since 1969, 130,000 have graduated from TARC. There is no problem for them to get jobs," she told malaysiakini when met today at TARC.

'Exceptional' case

Parents and students themselves are fully aware that TARC qualifications are well received by private sector employers, she added.

However, she also explained that the college was in the process of applying for recognition from the PSD for 30 of its courses.

This will make it easier for future TARC graduates who are more keen to join the government service, she said.

On the case of Soo Pak Leong ( right ), the spokesperson described it as 'exceptional' as not many TARC graduates choose to work in the civil service.

Nevertheless, she pointed out that there were also former students who had successfully join the civil service as teachers and administrative workers such as in the Attorney- General's Chambers.

"Those who managed to find work in the civil service had studied abroad after completing a course at TARC. There are students who furthered their studies at the Campbell University in UK upon completion of their advance diploma in TARC. The Campbell degree is recognised by PSD," she explained.

TARC principal's 'No comment'

Meanwhile, malaysiakini has a frustrating time trying to locate TARC principal Yoong Lai Thye for her comments today. She could not find the time this morning to speak to malaysiakini at the college.

When finally reached at 3.50 in the afternoon, all the TARC principal of five years offered was a 'No comment'.

Malaysiakini wanted to ask her whether it could be made a TARC policy to inform intending students that TARC qualifications are not recognised by PSD.

Meanwhile, PSD corporate communications head, Hasmier Rashid said for public universities and colleges to get their courses recognised by PSD, they must apply directly to the department.

"Upon their application, we will then look into their course criteria before deciding whether to give approval for these courses or not," she said when contacted.

Hasmier elaborated that a committee of different disciplines (such as technical, science, communication) will have to evaluate the courses and the decision will be made after that.

On Soo's predicament, she said that the policeman wannabe could still use his SPM certificate to gain entry into the police force if he is really keen to join the force.