UiTM off limit to non-bumis

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir confirmed that Universiti Teknologi is off limits for non-bumiputera students given the recent controversy of opening up the varsity’s cardiothoracic surgery postgraduate programme for all.

“The report from the Bumiputera Economic Congress in 2024 by the Economy Ministry shows that there is still an economic gap involving bumiputera in terms of the average monthly income, corporate equity holdings, poverty rate, production of skilled workforce and professional qualifications.

“In fact, the absolute poverty rate among bumiputera still needs continuous efforts to see improvement.

“Therefore, maintaining the UiTM policy for the Malays, Orang Asli and the people of Sabah and Sarawak is still needed in an effort to realise the government’s wishes in bridging the gap between races,” Zambry said during the oral reply session in Dewan Rakyat.

He was responding to a question from Ramkarpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) on whether the government would amend UiTM Act to enable non bumiputeras into the exclusive Bumiputera varsity.

Cardiothoracic surgery option would be opened in UM

Ramkarpal also asked in his supplementary question whether other higher education institution would be offering cardiothoracic surgery at postgraduate level so that non-bumiputeras can enrol to stem the shortage of specialists.

“The ministry is trying its best to find the best approach to resolve this issue. A discussion has also been held with UM and UM Medical Centre for the programme to be offered at the university.

“God willing, we are expecting UM to offer this programme by October so that those who want to pursue this programme can do so there. (And) subsequently, it will be followed by other universities,” Zambry responded.

At present UiTM is the only university offering a cardiothoracic surgery programme in collaboration with IJN.

ALSO READ: Would the government amend the law to allow non-Bumis in UiTM?