SHAH ALAM: UiTM’s shortcomings should not be used to undermine the institution or other bumiputra institutions, says Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Kadir (pic).
He called on UiTM to rise above its current difficulties to produce graduates who will ultimately become nation builders.
Zambry said this in his lecture at a seminar on "Islamic scholars" at UiTM on Sunday (Oct 4).
UiTM has currently been in the news following the high-profile prosecution of the former group Chief Executive Officer of UiTM Holdings Sdn Bhd (UHSB), who faces charges of criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving RM37.37mil.
The seminar, officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, was attended by more than 5,000 students and top management of Mara and UiTM.
“There are shortcomings and weaknesses - we will improve them. We will not simply allow these weaknesses to remain just because we want to cover them up. We will not do that. Instead, our commitment is to do our very best to restore and strengthen the institution
“UiTM is a very meaningful institution, steeped in the history of the Malay people's struggle. What began as a Rural and Industrial Development Authority (RIDA) Training Centre is today known as UiTM, and it has produced more than one million graduates. How will those who graduate from UiTM become nation builders?
“Our first objective is to become knowledge seekers - to seek knowledge. When knowledge reaches us, its meaning becomes part of us. When that meaning becomes part of us, it shapes who we are, our character and our manners," said Zambry.
At the same event, Mara chairman Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki also said that UiTM students have a duty to defend Malay privileges and the position of Islam as the religion of the federation in the constitution.
"The Constitution can be changed and we have to defend this privilege and the position of Islam, as it is not ceremonial, but the official religion enshrined in the Federal Constitution," said Asyraf.
