Zambry: Stop Excessive Pressure On University Student Admission Issue

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir has urged all parties to stop using excessive pressure regarding university admissions through the UPUOnline system because it would only worsen the situation.

In a statement issued via video today, Zambry urged all parties to strengthen confidence in the country's higher education system for the future of students in the country.

“The ministry (KPT) is always open to good discussions and suggestions from all parties, and avoids any manipulation or interests of certain parties who are trying to worsen the situation," he said.

He also advised all parties to be more careful when issuing statements regarding the issue.

“I always remind all parties to be cautious when issuing statements or when pushing for matters that could cause anxiety and make for an uneasy situation, especially regarding access to higher education, as we have heard recently about the situation of students wanting to enter university," he said.

He said the appeal and consultation process is provided by the ministry through UPUOnline, while there is a special office at the KPT lobby to assist students facing application problems.

“As I have already said, the Higher Education director-general (Prof Dr Azlinda Azman) has informed, and so too has the UPUOnline, that all these issues can be resolved through the process," he said

He said the Ministry of Higher Education is always working to resolve any issues that arise among students who apply through the UPUOnline to ensure they have the opportunity to pursue higher education.

“So, we will help with this and we understand our students’ situation. Every year, some apply and some don't get it. Some people get it but feel they need to make some changes. This is normal and has been done for a long time," he said.

In this regard, he advised certain parties not to over-exploit the issue to achieve the goals of specific groups or political interests.

"KPT is always working to ensure fair opportunities are given to all students through a system based on the principles of meritocracy, demographic distribution and socio-economic considerations, including students from B40 families," he also said.

He added that no one should challenge or underestimate the UPUOnline system, which has been functioning well for a long time, including for matriculation, foundation and STPM (Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia ) channels, while emphasising that KPT is always ensuring the system continues to run smoothly and rejecting baseless allegations of damage.

--BERNAMA