MCA: Guan Eng’s decision will deprive TAR UC students of affordable fees

PETALING JAYA: The Finance Minister’s remarks calling for two universities founded by MCA to sever ties with the party before obtaining government funding will deprive students from its affordable university fees, said Dr Datuk Mah Hang Soon.  

He criticised the statement by Lim Guan Eng, adding that the dream of many students from underprivileged backgrounds to attain higher education will be halted if there is cutback in government funding.  

“The two institutions can never be equalised with other private universities or colleges. They had provided opportunities for many students who fail to enter local universities, or can't afford to further their studies abroad,” said the MCA deputy president in a statement on Friday (Nov 23).  

Dr Mah added that Lim did not offer to help Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) but had instead victimised both the institutions due to their relationship with MCA.  

Dr Mah said over the years, many Chinese students, especially those from families with weak financial backgrounds, have benefited from the two institutions’ affordable fees, adding that it has also produced many talents for the nation.  

He said this was seen when TAR UC’s teachings and academic performance were enhanced when it was upgraded to university college status.  

Previously, Lim had said that MCA should severe ties with UTAR and TAR UC before the government provided more allocations for the two institutions.  

Lim said that there must be a “clear separation between education and politics”.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong had also expressed his disappointment over the Finance Ministry’s decision to not provide a matching grant that was approved by the Cabinet in 2012 for TAR UC.  

Lim recently confirmed in Parliament  that the Government will only allocate RM5.5mil in development funds to TAR UC but no matching grant for capital expenditure.  

MCA is the founder of UTAR and TAR UC.