KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has pledged to ensure that Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) remains a higher education institution for Malays and bumiputra, said the party’s supreme council member Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir (pic).
Zambry, who is also the Higher Education Minister, stated that Umno president and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, as well as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, have also reiterated this matter.
“One of our significant struggles as ministers from the Umno party is to defend the Majlis Amanah Rakyat institution, which is linked to UiTM.
“Of late, we’ve heard various things about UiTM, which is why our president and the Prime Minister have emphasised and agreed that UiTM must be safeguarded. If there are problems, we are committed to resolving them,” he said at PENTalk held in conjunction with the Umno general assembly, Bernama reported.
Zambry, who is also Barisan Nasional secretary-general, said the government aims to make a significant shift in the education system by focusing on technical and vocational education and training (TVET), led by Ahmad Zahid as the National TVET Council chairman, which is intended to ensure those unable to pursue university education are given opportunities to forge ahead.
“We will ensure that those who follow TVET programmes will also be given the chance to continue their studies at higher levels, including entering universities up to the doctorate level.
“Today’s education system is no longer campus-based; this is a major shift in our higher education system,” he said.
Furthermore, Zambry noted that Malaysia is also internationalising its education system, with over 140,000 international students studying at universities within the country.
“We are also exporting Malaysia’s higher education system abroad, which is why we have offshore campuses in various locations. For instance, the Prime Minister recently officiated the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia campus in Qatar,” he said.
The PENTalk programme, organised by Umno’s information division and attended by 700 party members, serves as a platform for Umno leaders, including ministers, chief ministers, and mentris besar, to share their achievements in leading ministries and state governments.
Additionally, it provides an opportunity for leaders to address current issues and offer explanations to members before the 16th general election.
