Why create special ‘channel’ for T20 students enrolling in varsities?

 

From P Ramasamy

I served as an academic at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) for 25 years.

While I was not directly involved in student admissions, I am certain there was a single, unified admission policy based on pre-university qualifications.

Students were admitted primarily on the basis of academic merit, with quotas in place to support those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

While there might have been ethnic quotas, I cannot confirm this.

But I find it surprising that the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Rectors of Public Universities (JKNCR UA) has denied the existence of a “backdoor” entry system while admitting that university admissions now operate through two distinct channels — one for B40 students (lower-income) and another for T20 students (upper-income).

Since I left UKM years ago, it’s possible that public universities have reformed their systems by introducing this two-tiered approach. However, this raises a critical question: why was the earlier universal admission policy replaced?

Academic qualifications have always been the cornerstone of university admissions, with appropriate attention given to ensuring access for B40 students.

What remains puzzling is the rationale behind creating a special category for T20 students.

Why are students from wealthy families given special consideration for admission?

Public university admissions have traditionally focussed on providing opportunities for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This priority can be seamlessly integrated into a single admission policy. A dual-tier system seems unnecessary.

Could the T20 category be aimed at attracting funding from wealthy parents? If so, this raises ethical concerns about the purpose and integrity of public university admissions.

JKNCR UA has failed to adequately address the questions raised by the Kedah state assemblyman regarding the alleged backdoor entry system.

My questions to the committee are as follows:

1. When was the universal admission policy replaced?
2. Why was the T20 category introduced?
3. On what grounds was special consideration given to T20 students?

These questions demand transparent and satisfactory answers to uphold the integrity of public university admissions.

 

P Ramasamy is Urimai chairman, a former Penang deputy chief minister and a former academic at UKM.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.