The Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, has reaffirmed that student admissions to public universities (IPTA) are determined purely on merit.
This assurance comes in light of ongoing discussions about fairness in the selection process, especially for competitive and high-demand courses.
M’sian Public Uni Admissions Are Merit-Based
Zambry highlighted that the selection process does not discriminate against any ethnicity or group.
According to Berita Harian, he added that failing to secure a place at public universities should not be turned into an issue of racism or discrimination against any group.
“We do not practise discrimination when it comes to admissions into IPTA. If a student achieves straight A’s in their studies, they will be offered a place,” he stated.
High Demand for Critical Courses
The Minister also noted that courses such as medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry remain the top choices among applicants, often creating stiff competition for placements.
“Many students apply for these critical courses as their first choice. However, the number of placements available is limited,” he explained.
While there have been calls for specific quotas for certain groups, Zambry clarified that admissions into these fields are strictly merit-based.
He dismissed claims that the process favours any particular ethnicity, stating, “There’s no justification for saying places are awarded based on race.”
Concerns Raised Over Indian Student Admissions
During the Perak BN State Convention on 24 November, Perak MIC Chairman Tan Sri M. Ramasamy highlighted concerns regarding the low number of high-achieving Indian students securing spots in public universities.
He also noted similar challenges faced by matriculation graduates from the Indian community, calling for an increase in quotas to address the issue.
In response, Zambry acknowledged the problem but clarified that it affects not just Indian students but also other communities.
Although the meritocracy system for IPTA admissions is seen as a fair approach that does not prioritise any particular ethnicity, it has faced criticism for disproportionately favouring students from wealthier backgrounds.
Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has previously criticised the system, arguing that it mainly benefits affluent students who have better access to quality education.
A survey conducted at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) revealed that 67.6% of respondents were Malay students, while Chinese students made up 21.4%, Indian students 4.2%, and other Bumiputera groups 4.2%.
This indicates that more than 70% of students admitted under the meritocracy system are Bumiputera, a figure that exceeds the 55% allocation under the previous quota system.
Decreasing Chinese and Indian Student Admissions
Since the meritocracy system was introduced, the number of Chinese and Indian students entering IPTA has significantly declined. Previously, the quota system allocated 35% of places for Chinese students and 10% for Indian students.
While the system ensures that academic excellence is the primary criterion, critics argue that it inadvertently disadvantages students from underprivileged backgrounds, regardless of ethnicity.
A Call for Balance
The debate over IPTA admissions continues to highlight the need for a balanced approach—one that ensures meritocracy while addressing socio-economic disparities.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your opinions in the comments below!
READ ALSO:
