JOHOR BARU: Labelling public higher education institutions as “corruption breeding grounds” (lubuk rasuah) is a malicious and baseless claim that threatens the credibility of Malaysia’s education system, says Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim.
He said that while isolated cases may exist, it is unjust to allow one or two incidents to define the entire system.
“You cannot allow 1% to destroy the reputation of the remaining 99%.
“Such sweeping accusations could erode public trust and discourage students from pursuing higher education, undermining institutions built over decades,” he told reporters after launching the UTM–University of Canterbury joint satellite laboratory at the campus here on Tuesday (April 7).
He said all universities operate under strict governance and integrity frameworks, with clear procedures in place to ensure accountability.
He added that any wrongdoing should be addressed through proper channels, including reporting to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for investigation.
“If there are valid allegations, report them. We are open to investigations. Any institution should be subject to scrutiny if there is evidence to that effect.
“Criticise based on facts, not assumptions,” he said, stressing that universities are meant to produce individuals with integrity and strong values, not corruption.
Prof Mohd Shafry was responding to a recent news report alleging that public higher education institutions were becoming breeding grounds for corruption.
