Dream shatters - public uni offers unrecognised degree

Since childhood, he always dreamt of becoming a lawyer. And he was elated when offered a place in a public university to pursue a legal degree.

But the 19-year-old student and his parents' joy were short-lived. To their shock, they discovered that the course in Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA was not recognised in Malaysia.

"Who ever thought a public university would offer a course that is not recognised?" lamented his mother. "This is unacceptable and ridiculous!"

Speaking to Malaysiakini, the mother, who wished to be identified only as Tee, was now perplexed as to what to do next.

According to her, the UniSZA law degree was not recognised by the Legal Profession Qualifying Board (LPQB).

She became aware of this when the Malaysian Bar last Friday reminded students who wanted to pursue a law degree locally to conduct due diligence when selecting a law programme to undertake, as five educational institutions offered law programmes that were not recognised by the LPQB.

LPQB is the body tasked to prescribe the qualification that would entitle an individual to practice as an advocate and solicitor in Malaysia. 

The five educational institutions were HELP University College, Management and Science University (MSU), Taylor’s University, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) and UniSZA.

After reading the news, Tee then checked with the LPQB, Public Service Department, and UniSZA.

"This means even if my son graduates, he cannot become a lawyer in Malaysia. Why assign my son to a course that is not recognised?" she asked.

Tee tried to seek help from several parties, including government agencies and MCA Youth chief Wee Ka Siong but these attempts were futile.

"We are supposed to be happy as my son managed to get his preferred course. If there was no reminder from the Bar, we would have never known.

"Now I don't know how to solve this. The semester is going to start soon, should my son enter this university or not?" she said.

Tee believes that other students were also facing a similar predicament and hoped it could get more public attention if highlighted in the media.