As of last night (3 February), UiTM (Universiti Teknologi Mara) is still trending on Twitter with thousands of people tweeting about the university.
However, the subject that got the people tweeting about UiTM is not something new. Years after years, some people are still debating over the same matter – Should UiTM be open to all, including the non-Bumis?
Back in 2015, UiTM’s pro-chancellor Tan Sri Dr Arshad Ayub proposed to open its doors to all races in Malaysia. The proposal was immediately rejected by Perkasa Youth, chief Irwan Fahmi Ideris, who claimed that non-Bumis are free to enter any other institutions other than UiTM, which as of now, is only open to the Bumiputera.
He believed that the enrolment of other races into UiTM may threaten the future of the Bumiputera community, especially given that they have such a small slice of the economic pie.
“The excuse that it would allow for healthy competition and produce more intellectuals is not solid enough.”
Now, back to the trending UiTM on Twitter last night, netizens have mixed reactions towards the debate. Most of the netizens agree for the institute to be opened to all as they think it’s unfair that some Malaysians can’t enroll into the place.
Of course, some do not agree for the institution to be opened for all, unless vernacular schools too are abolished.
In the meantime, some think that making comparison with vernacular schools is irrelevant as all races are accepted into the schools, but not for UiTM.
Regardless, the debates go on. Do you think UiTM should be opened for all anytime soon?
Also read: Tun M: Chopstick Remark Not a Play on Race Card, But Merely To Show Cultural Difference in M’sia
