JOHOR BARU: The Higher Education Ministry has no objection to any groups entering universities, though they must inform the university management beforehand, says its minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic).
“In terms of the ministry, we do not bar anyone from entering universities. However, as we all know, there is a need to inform the management before entering,” he said.
Khaled was asked to comment on Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman claiming he was barred from entering Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam for a dialogue session on Thursday.
The former youth and sports minister reportedly questioned why he was denied entry now that his party Muda is part of the coalition government, when he had faced no problems previously when the party was part of the Opposition.
UiTM Shah Alam vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Roziah Mohd Janor reportedly said that there was nothing personal against Syed Saddiq, but there had to be a proper application made through the vice-chancellor’s office.
“Perhaps there was a breakdown in communication,” said Khaled.
“We hope the two parties can meet up and arrange for the event to be held another time,” he said at a press conference after chairing the Johor Umno meeting here yesterday.
Meanwhile, Khaled, who is also Johor Umno chief, said the party has decided to throw its full support behind the state government under the leadership of Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
“We realise that the current (state) government was formed by Umno, and without the party, they would not be there.
“Based on this, we have decided to set up a secretariat that includes representatives from both the state government and Johor Umno.
“They will sit down and discuss things that could further strengthen the position of the party in the state government and carry out initiatives that will benefit the people,” he said.
Khaled said state Umno secretary Datuk Abdul Halim Suleiman, treasurer Datuk Zulkurnain Kamisan, and information chief Datuk Md Jais Sarday will be representing Johor Umno in the secretariat while state executive councillors Datuk Zahari Sarip, Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor and Mohd Hairi Mad Shah will represent the Johor government.
On another matter, he said Johor Umno will decide on a suitable date for the Johor Baru Umno division election, which was postponed two weeks ago.
“We want it to be done as soon as possible but we need to also take into consideration that it is now the month of Ramadan. We want all to be there so that there will not be any dissatisfaction in the future,” he said.
The Johor Baru division election, which was supposed to take place on March 18, was postponed by the Umno central election committee following claims there were more voting papers than actual voters.
