Since its establishment, UiTM has always limited its enrolment to Bumiputeras only. The Ministry of Higher Education recently confirmed that there have been no official discussions on opening admissions to UiTM’s cardiothoracic surgery postgraduate program to non-Bumiputeras.
The minister, Zambry Abdul Kadir said that a few fundamental issues have to be addressed first before the talk takes place. Politician Zaid Ibrahim, on the other hand, believes that there is no issue in opening the admissions to non-Bumis – except for the long-existing fear that the institution would be opened to everyone.
In his X post @zaidibrahim, Zaid advised UMNO to look at the matter from different perspectives, especially when the public health sector is struggling to look for medical specialists.
“The nation must come first. We are short of all kinds of medical specialists in public health. We are short of nurses.”
For illustration purposes only
Zaid deemed it a priority to handle the issue because some Malaysian doctors and nurses are leaving to other countries, while others are going to the private sector.
“The welfare of our public health system is in danger and must take priority.”
Helping the non-Bumis = helping the Bumis
Zaid added that educational institutionals have to accept anyone qualified. While UiTM was established to help the Bumis, Zaid has never thought the institution should stop. However, the times have changed and Zaid highlighted that everyone should help each other.
“Today, we have to recognise that helping non-Malays into UITM is also assisting the Bumiputras by solving the nation’s problem.”
Zaid explained that the fear is irrelevant today, saying,
“The fear of having more non-Malays as doctors, nurses or lecturers is the trauma of the 1970s. Don’t govern this country with fears from the past.”
UiTM Act and Article 153 of the Federal Constitution
In a statement by UiTM, the institution confirmed that for now, they are sticking to the UiTM Act and Article 153 of the Federal Constitution – limiting the enrolments to Bumiputeras only.
However, its Vice-Chancellor, Shahrin Sahib said he would with the government and with the YDPA’s consent if it aligns with national needs.
Good Morning Zambry
I read with dismay the statement by the Higher Education Minister that the entry of non-Bumiputra into UITM cardio specialist’s course is still pending review. Specific fundamental issues have yet to be resolved, Zambry said
There are no outstanding issues…
— Zaid Ibrahim (@zaidibrahim) May 2, 2024
As of today, UiTM is the only university with programme in partnership with the National Heart Institute (IJN), centered on cardiothoracic surgery and heart and lung disease care.
