PUTRAJAYA should include more critical courses in its plan to create 1,500 new university places under Budget 2026, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic).
The Ayer Hitam MP questioned why the initiative appears to focus mainly on areas such as law, accountancy, artificial intelligence (AI), languages and Islamic finance, while other courses such as engineering and pharmacy were not included.
“What about the other critical courses like engineering, pharmacy, dentistry and medicine?
“Is this due to insufficient funding?” he said in his debate during the winding-up of Budget 2026 for the Higher Education Ministry.
Under Budget 2026, the government would offer 1,500 additional places for outstanding Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) and matriculation students to pursue degrees in 10 key disciplines at five of the country’s research universities.
These included law, accounting, banking, Islamic finance, AI, economics and languages.
Dr Wee also questioned where the funding for these 1,500 new places comes from.
“Is the ministry prepared to disclose how many students are enrolled in which courses?
“This way, we will have a clear guideline for university admissions through the UPUOnline system,” said Dr Wee, who is also MCA president.
In response, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir acknowledged Dr Wee’s concerns and said the government viewed the initiative as a good starting point.
He said university enrolment had continued to increase from 136,000 students in 2017 to 168,769 in 2024, reflecting a consistent upward trend.
“The Prime Minister has presented an initial proposal. This is a good starting point.
“We will start with 1,500 places in selected areas, but I agree that other critical fields, such as engineering, need to be reviewed,” Zambry said.
He acknowledged that the government would pay attention to certain critical courses.
“In the education sector, these matters are also influenced by market demand. As discussed previously, we should not act recklessly without considering the actual needs in critical fields.
“What the government has done and what the Prime Minister has already presented is an initial proposal.
“In my view, if you ask me, that’s a good starting point.
“When the government responds to all the issues raised by you and others, we will start with 1,500 places, focusing initially on specific fields.
“But I also agree that other critical areas, such as engineering, should be looked into.
“We will continue to work and ensure engineering and other fields can also be prioritised in the future,” said the minister.
Dr Wee suggested that the Higher Education Ministry announce the new places specifically by course and university to ensure clarity among students and the public.
Zambry replied that the government will move forward with its implementation.
