MCA-run Tunku Abdul Rahman College students today gave mixed reactions to the news that their advance diplomas and diplomas were not recognised by the government.

Several students told malaysiakini that the college should have informed all students that their certificates were not recognised by the government.

However there were also other students who said that the non-recognition was immaterial as they were only keen to find employment in the private sector.

The issue on TARC certificates not being recognised by the government came about following a problem encountered by college graduate Soo Pak Leong in applying to join the police force.

Soo's problem was that his degree, a Bacher of Science from TARC, was not recognised by the Public Service Department.

The college, when asked to comment on Soo's plight, said this was an exceptional case as most of its students do not apply to join the civil sector.

The college pointed to its proud record that since 1969 more than 130,000 TARC students had no problems finding work in the private sector.

The college also admitted that it does not inform students about the non-recognition of its courses in the government sector.

Below are reactions from some of the students who spoke to malaysiakini .

Susie Koh, final year advance diploma in journalism, 23

I am aware of the recognition problem TARC students have in the government sector but I do not consider it to be a big issue as I have no intention of joining the public sector.

However, I still think it is important for the college, which has been around since 1969 and owned by MCA, to get its qualifications recognised by the government.

Also, as an established college which has a good reputation, the college must inform all future students specifically that their qualifications will not be recognised by the government. The students have the right to know.

Samuel Ong, second year diploma in accounting, 19

I was very surprised over the news that TARC qualifications are not recognised by the government.

I am very disappointed because this means I will not be able to work in the government sector.

And to think that TARC college is subsidised by the government!

Dennis Choo, second year diploma in accounting, 19

How could this happen?

The college should notify all future students about the government non-recognition of the certificates so that the students can then decide if they still want to pursue their studies here.

Cheryl Yeoh, final year advance diploma in journalism, 23

I don't think it is necessary for the college to inform students about the non-recognition. The students should find out on their own the status of their certificates.

Jason Soo, final year advance diploma in information technology, 23

It is unnecessary for TARC to tell students before hand that their qualifications are not recognised by the government.

Why do they want to do this? It does not benefit them.

Fanny Choy, first year advance diploma in bio-chemistry, 20

The non-recognition is not an issue for me as I want to work in the private sector.

And I don't think it is necessary for the collage to inform the students if their certificates are recognised by the government or not.