PETALING JAYA: The Public Universities Vice-Chancellors and Rectors Committee has denied the allegations of “backdoor” admissions made by Dr Haim Hilman Abdullah regarding student entrance into public universities, which deny the rights of children from underprivileged families to continue their studies.
In a statement, the committee chairman, Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Ekhwan Toriman, described the allegation as slander, adding it clearly reflects the irresponsibility of the Kedah State Industry and Investment, Higher Education and Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman, who he claimed only wanted to confuse the public and cause unfounded controversy.
“This ‘backdoor’ method involving the admission of students to any public universities in Malaysia has never existed.
“The number of students admitted into public universities through mainstream channels has not been reduced, and there are no issues with quotas for underprivileged students. The intake of students is via an over-and-above method; as such, the mainstream quota is filled first before admission is reopened for those who have appealed.
“It's clear he's (Haim) pretending to be oblivious about the admission procedure, which has two separate channels,” he said on Wednesday. (Dec 25)
Prof Mohd Ekhwan clarified that a majority of the admissions through the government-subsidised mainstream channel are from the B40 group, while the commercial channel takes on those from the T20 and international groups.
Funds collected from the commercial channel are used to develop learning and teaching facilities as well as students’ accommodation, he also said.
He pointed out that all the facilities are equally available for students from both channels.
“Considering that YB (Haim) was a former vice chancellor of Universiti Utara Malaysia, the statement linking the commercial channel robbing the places of the B40 group reflects confusion in understanding the purpose of creating the channel.
“His statement on the intake of international students is another big slander, especially with Malaysia being an internationally recognised hub for higher education and the choice for such students.
“We do not compromise the intake criteria. Instead, we offer enhancement of communication skills through internal university programmes,” he said.
Prof Mohd Ekhwan said he respected everyone’s right to freedom of speech, but it should be mature and truthful.
He criticised the abuse of privilege for twisting the truth, misleading the public for political and personal benefit, and disrupting the harmony of the country and society.
