UMNO Youth Chief Datuk Akmal Saleh has hit out at MCA President Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong for allegedly tarnishing the reputation of the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) by claiming Malaysia’s university admission system is “broken.”
Akmal urged Wee to publicly apologise to the ministry, saying Wee’s remarks were inappropriate and undermined the integrity of those managing the admissions process.
“University seats are limited”
In a Facebook post, Akmal said he initially felt sympathy when Wee highlighted the case of top STPM scorer Edward Wong, who failed to gain admission into his desired university course despite scoring 99.9%.
But the truth is, this student is indeed excellent — however, there are others who scored 100%, and the number of university seats is limited,” he explained.
He stressed that MOHE officials have carried out their duties responsibly and without prejudice towards any group.
We urge Wee Ka Siong to apologise to the Ministry of Higher Education. If he finds it difficult to do so publicly, then at least meet the minister in person to apologise,” Akmal said.
Wee Ka Siong fires back: “No way I’m apologising”
Wee Ka Siong, however, dismissed the call for an apology, saying bluntly: “No way!”
According to China Press, he argued that he had done nothing wrong and hit back at Akmal and the UMNO Kedah Joint Committee with a sharp retort: “Improve your arguments, not your volume.”
I’m not afraid of criticism. As the MCA President and a Member of Parliament, if I lack the courage to speak up for the people when needed, then I should just retire,” Wee said.
He added that throughout his political career, even when Barisan Nasional was in power, he never hesitated to speak out on education issues when he felt something was unjust.
Today, when I see such an unfair situation, I only spoke the truth. What exactly was my mistake?” he questioned.
Wee also stressed that MCA’s stance on this matter was non-racial and the party would support any group facing similar injustices, calling on all sides to approach the issue rationally rather than emotionally.
