Stop racialising university admissions: Fix the system


THE debate over public university admissions has sadly been twisted into a racial issue. Scathing attacks on individual students, such as Edward Wong, reveal how misinformation is being used to inflame sentiments and divide Malaysians. This is deeply unfair and misses the real point: students from all races have been affected by the flaws of our admission system.

Let us be clear—this is not a racial problem. It is a systemic failure, rooted in socio-economic discrimination and a system that has not kept pace with the needs of our time. To racialise this issue is to deflect from the urgent reforms our country needs and to deny young Malaysians the fair opportunities they deserve.

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Letters

Protecting data beyond the office walls
Side gigs redefine work and economic freedom�
Still trapped in older educational expectations
Silent struggle: Sexual harassment against men should not be brushed off
What happens in Antarctica matters to our tropical nation�
Keeping compliance costs sustainable for SMEs
Banks must rethink fraud controls as AI risks rise
University degrees in the age of AI�
Breathe in and absorb Malaysia’s history at the Royal Museum
A pragmatic pivot to economic realism�

Others Also Read