Zambry: Claims of 'backdoor' admissions into universities unfounded

 

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir has dismissed claims that public universities sell placements or admit students through “backdoor” channels. BERNAMA PIC

KUALA LUMPUR: Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir has dismissed claims that public universities sell placements or admit students through "backdoor" channels.

Responding to allegations raised by Kedah Higher Education Committee chairman Haim Hilman, Zambry said there is no such thing as "selling places" in Malaysia's public university admission system.

He told Berita Harian admissions are subject to academic merit, programme-specific requirements, programme capacity, accreditation standards and professional body requirements.

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While UPUOnline remains the official platform for mainstream admissions, Zambry said it is not the only legitimate pathway into public universities.

"Many assume admission to public universities can only take place through UPU, but this is not accurate," he said.

He said universities also offer admissions through established channels such as international programmes, lifelong learning courses, professional programmes, industry-collaboration initiatives, senate-approved special programmes and market-rate fee programmes, as well as pathways for international students and working adults.

All these channels are subject to academic requirements and approval processes set by university senates," he said.

Zambry also rejected allegations that public universities operate a "backdoor" admission system, saying the term creates the false impression that unqualified individuals are being admitted through illegitimate means.

He said every public university is governed by a structured system that includes a board of directors, university senate, academic committees, admission committees and both internal and external audits.

"No individual can determine admissions on their own. Every decision goes through a process with strict checks and balances," he said.

He also dismissed claims that wealthy students are taking places away from high-achieving or underprivileged applicants.

He said admissions through UPU cannot be secured simply because an applicant is able to pay, as merit and entry requirements remain the basis of the selection process.

Zambry also questioned allegations that between 30,000 and 60,000 university places were awarded through so-called "backdoor" channels.

For the 2025/2026 intake, he said 109,866 applicants met the minimum requirements for consideration through UPUOnline, with 78,883 receiving offers based on available programme capacity.

"It cannot be assumed that the remaining applicants who were not offered places lost out because their spots were given away through a 'backdoor' route," he said.

He added that programme capacity, competition based on merit, accreditation requirements and resource limitations must all be considered in the admission process.

Describing claims that the issue represents the "greatest disaster" in the nation's education system as politically motivated, Zambry said criticism should be supported by facts and evidence.

"Higher education must be strengthened through mature, fact-based and responsible debate," he said. - NST