PETALING JAYA: The exclusion of non-Bumiputeras from Universiti Teknologi Mara’s cardiothoracic surgery postgraduate programme can hinder progress and development of the field, says an academic.
Academy of Sciences Malaysia fellow Tajuddin Abdullah said maintaining the current practice could limit healthy competition and stall the growth of the medical profession. It would also overlook the potential talent and diverse perspectives from people of other ethnicities
Tajuddin, a UiTM graduate himself, said that opening up educational institutions like UiTM to all students can help foster national integration and unity.
“I disagree that enrolment in UiTM should not be open to non-Bumiputera students. Malaysia is a multiracial society, and it is essential to embrace diversity and provide equal opportunities for all Malaysians” he told FMT.
“Opening UiTM’s cardiothoracic surgery programme to non-Bumiputeras can have several benefits for the national healthcare system. It will increase the pool of talented and skilled cardiothoracic surgeons, leading to a lower patient-to-surgeon ratio.
“This can result in reduced waiting times for patients in need of cardiothoracic surgery, improving overall healthcare services.
“By diversifying the student population, the programme can introduce new perspectives and generate better approaches to the field, thus fostering innovation and advancements in cardiothoracic surgery.”
He said that ultimately, a more diverse and well-trained healthcare workforce would meet the healthcare needs of the country’s population, contribute to the sustainability and affordability of the Malaysian healthcare system, and support the growth of the medical tourism industry.
Tajuddin was responding to a report in the Kosmo newspaper in which the president of the UiTM general staff union, Zulkifli Mohamed, said the union was disappointed with suggestions that UiTM should temporarily open up enrolment for postgraduate medical studies to non-Bumiputeras.
Health news portal CodeBlue recently reported that UiTM was willing to “temporarily” accept non-Bumiputera trainees from parallel pathway programmes into its cardiothoracic surgery programme.
Dr Raja Amin Raja Mokhtar, from UiTM’s medical faculty, had suggested this as a solution to the non-recognition of some trainees’ qualifications.
Higher education minister Zambry Abd Kadir has since said there have been no discussions on the matter.
Tajuddin, a former Zoo Melaka director, said that his personal experience, such as having non-Malay teachers and lecturers throughout his journey in education, has demonstrated that people from different backgrounds can contribute to a well-rounded and inclusive learning environment.
“Embracing our racial diversity in our education system can promote national integration, unity, and social cohesion, creating a more harmonious and inclusive society,” he added. - FMT
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