Do not use UiTM to gain votes, alumni tell politicians
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) alumni today urged politicians to stop playing up the "Malay-only institution" issue to gain mileage for their political careers.
UiTM alumni secretary-general Shukri Ishak said all those, including politicians, who questioned the status of the institution which is meant only for the Bumiputera and the Malays would be considered traitors and enemies of the state.
In a statement, Shukri said the alumni respected and upheld the sanctity of the Federal Constitution and understood the social contract that bound all the races in the country; at the same time it wold defend and protect their rights as stated in the Constitution.
"We urge those who try to fan racial hatred by playing up this issue to stop. We have been living in peace and harmony all this while by respecting each other’s rights, the core of our unity until now," he said.
On Teluk Intan by election candidate Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud’s comment that all should have equal access to public institutions of higher learning in the country, Shukri said her suggestion was uncalled for.
"She should not use UiTM as a tool to gain votes to win the Teluk Intan by-election. She herself is a product of UiTM. I want to ask her, where she would be if the institution is open to other races?" he said.
Dyana recently suggested that an institution similar to UiTM be established to provide quality education for other races.
When her suggestion was questioned by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Razali Ibrahim, Dyana, a law graduate from UiTM, said that giving equal educational opportunity to Malaysians would not undermine the Malays.
"It means that more deserving Malaysians of all races, including many Malays, who do not support Umno, will have access to quality higher education," she said.
Today, Shukri echoed the sentiment of UiTM pro-chancellor Tan Sri Dr Abdul Rahman Arshad Rahman, who was quoted by Bernama as saying on Tuesday that UiTM was needed to develop the Malays, who lagged behind the other races.
Shukri added that UiTM was set up to ensure a balance between all races.
"Maybe in 20-30 years when we are at par with others, then the institution will be open to others, "he said.
Dyana had also expressed disappointment over her alumni's hosting of a controversial seminar on May 6, in which speakers accused Christians of spreading their faith among Malays.
Shukri, however, said the alumni were not aware of the seminar.
"It was held by UiTM administration and we have nothing to do with it," he said. – May 22, 2014.
