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Local varsities on a par with universities abroad, says vice-chancellor – Bernama

Why bring up Altantuya case again, it’s over, says Idris Jusoh

The quality of local universities in Malaysia is on par with those overseas, in terms of value for money, said Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Mustafa Ishak.

He said the "quality at an affordable cost" concept in local universities comprising cost of living, study and accommodation costs were among the pull factor to attract foreign students to enrol in local universities.

"For example, at least RM50,000 per year is needed if you want to pursue a master of business administration (MBA) from Harvard University but there are no problems to pursue further studies here as Malaysian degree holders and academicians are recognised worldwide," he told Bernama when met in UUM, in Sintok, recently.

Mohamed said facilities and recognised lecturers with expertise, which are the main issues contributing to a university's ranking, are not the benchmark to evaluate the quality and capabilities of a university.

Recently, Second Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh told the opposition to stop politicising his comments on the local university rankings.

Mohamed said local universities needed time to progress as most of the local universities were still green compared with the world's top universities.

"Do not compare local universities to universities abroad, such as Cambridge University, which was founded 800 years ago, Oxford University, 1,000 years ago and Harvard University, 300 years ago.

"Some quarters in Malaysia are giving negative criticism towards local universities and the expertise of local lecturers," he said.

Meanwhile, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) vice-chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi said a university is not about producing intellectuals but it also contributed to the development of an area.

"For example, Unimas has developed Kota Samarahan in Sarawak. Unimas has developed Kota Samarahan through various research made.

"A university also plays a role as a 'growth centre' to enable the local university to reap benefits from it," he said.

However, he admits the university rankings has became an issue, therefore, local universities need time and support from all parties to become the best. – Bernama, February 28, 2015.