Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim has suggested convening a special meeting with Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) student representatives to discuss their discontentment in opening up the university to non-bumiputeras.

"It could be that they (the students) did not understand why we suggested it," said Khalid.

khalid ibrahim selangor state budget pc 120808 02 The menteri besar commented on the matter when meeting reporters after a two-day dialogue session on Selangor's 2009 budget which was held to discuss provisions of the state's monetary allocations.

"The state government proposed this because we want to increase our competency in higher education," he explained.

Early this morning, students from the university marched to the MB's office in Shah Alam after he suggested allocating 10 percent of the university's admission quota to non-bumiputeras and foreign students.

A staff from the MB's office said the students numbered around 400.

According to a local newspaper Sinar Harian , Khalid said the suggestion to open up the university was to improve the quality of education and competency amongst its students as the university is currently only open to bumiputeras.

Khalid proposed to sit in a special meeting with some state executive councillors and the university's student representatives to come up with ideas to further advance the achievements of higher learning.

"We will find time to see the students so that they can explain their grouses and feelings and in turn we can also explain our views.

"Our objective is to develop together. I don't see my effort or my suggestion as an insult to the higher learning institution," said Khalid.

The menteri besar said the meeting will be organised after the Aug 26 Permatang Pauh parliamentary by-election.

No jurisdiction

abdullah ahmad badawi pak lah 110907 Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi stated that Khalid has no power to decide on the university's enrolment policy.

"It is not within his jurisdiction of power. Matters pertaining to the intake (of students) lie with the educational institution concerned," said the premier according to national news agency Bernama.

Commenting on this, Khalid said: "I admit I don't have any rights. I think Pak Lah (Abdullah) has none too … (but) I was just suggesting, that's all."

"But it was a sincere suggestion by someone who has the best interests of the Malays and Malaysian community at heart … (and) at times it is good for us to accept advice because it will help in global development," he added.

Reacts to Abdul Hadi

hadi awang 01 On an unrelated matter, Khalid responded to PAS President Abdul Hadi Awang’s comment that the Islamic party will leave the Pakatan Rakyat coalition if the alliance does not benefit Islam.

"We accept the fact that PAS champions the development of Islam and we have managed to adapt to this in the development of the country," said the menteri besar.

"I think Hadi Awang's statement is to reaffirm that the PAS struggle is for the betterment of Islam and that it cannot be scrutinised," he added.