Public universities committee denies claims of students being admitted via 'backdoor'
PETALING JAYA: Majlis Kaunter Rektor dan Penguasa Kolej Universiti Awam telah menafikan dakwaan-dakwaan "pintu belakang" kemasukan pelajar dimajukan oleh Dr Haim Hilman Abdullah mengenai kemasukan pelajar ke Universiti Awam, yang menyanggah hak kanak-kanak dari keluarga tidak berextras untuk terus melanjutkan pendidikan mereka.
Datuk Dr Mohd Ekhwan Toriman, the committee chairman, labelled the allegations "slander", asserting that it showcases the irresponsibility of the Kedah State Industry and Investment, Higher Education and Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chief, who purportedly intended to mislead the public and stoke baseless controversy.
The practice of admitting students to any public university in Malaysia through this unconventional method, which is often referred to as a "backdoor" entry, has never been implemented.
The number of students accepted into public universities through standard channels has not decreased, and there are no problems with quotas for disadvantaged students. The intake of students is handled through an additional process; consequently, the available spots are filled with standard candidates first before openings are reopened for those who have submitted appeals.
"It's evident that Haim is feigning ignorance about the entry process, which comprises two distinct pathways," he mentioned on Wednesday.
An academic, Prof Mohd Ekhwan, explained that around 80% of government-subsidised admissions are received from families with a lower 40% income status, while commercial channels mainly accept students from the top 20% who have higher incomes and international students.
The funds obtained from business operations will be utilised for the improvement of teaching and learning facilities, as well as student accommodation, he added.
He mentioned that every facility is provided for both streams of students equally.
Given YB Lim Guan Eng's (Haim) background as a former Vice Chancellor of Universiti Utara Malaysia, the assertion that BFM Commercial is stealing content from B40 creators appears to indicate a misunderstanding of the purpose behind launching the channel.
“His comments on the intake of international students are likewise unfounded and misleading, specifically given Malaysia's established international standing in higher education and its popularity as a destination for foreign students to pursue their studies.”
"We do not lower our admission standards. Instead, we have internal university programmes that can improve students' communication skills," he said.
Prof Mohd Ekhwan expressed his understanding and appreciation of the importance of free speech, adding that it should be exercised in a responsible and truthful manner.
He expressed concern over the misuse of privilege to manipulate facts, deceive the public for political and personal gain, and create discord within the country and community.
