The Public University Vice-Chancellors and Rectors Committee has moved to support Universiti Teknologi Mara’s stand against the enrolment of non-bumiputera students, citing provisions under the UiTM Act 1976 and the Federal Constitution.
The committee comprising 20 rectors and vice-chancellors in a statement yesterday condemned what they described as an intentional attempt to raise the issue by labelling UiTM as an “apartheid academy”.
Committee chairperson Ekhwan Toriman said the statement by Malaysiakini columnist Andrew Sia exposes an “ignorance” of Article 153 of the Federal Constitution that outlines the position and rights of the bumiputera in Malaysia.
“The claim also reflects the writer’s shallowness and personal bias, as he indirectly used the bumiputera term to only refer to Malays.
“Whereas the bumiputera in this country comprises all other indigenous people, including Malays and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak,” said Ekhwan, citing the Constitution.
At the same time, he said the committee also voiced support for Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir’s call for all parties to refrain from issuing any racial statements that could disrupt the original objective of UiTM’s formation.
“We can accept constructive views and criticisms but they must be based on facts.
“Freedom of speech must not be abused to the point of disregarding manners and values that we have held on to,” he added. - Mkini
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