KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 — The government is adopting a balanced, inclusive and responsible approach in its efforts to expand access to national higher education as part of building a common meeting point for Malaysia’s diverse society.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the commitment must nevertheless remain aligned with efforts to uphold the foundations of the National Education Policy and the National Education Philosophy.

According to him, in a sovereign nation, the education system cannot merely be viewed through the lens of academic demands, the interests of certain groups or narrow identity considerations.

“It also involves nation-building, strengthening unity, empowering Bahasa Melayu as the national language, as well as understanding Malaysia’s history and nationhood.

“For this reason, the government cannot alter the foundations of the national education system simply to satisfy the demands of any particular educational stream,” he told Bernama in an exclusive interview at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur today.

He was responding to a statement by the Federation of Malaysian Chinese School Management Associations (Dong Zong) on May 15, which claimed that the government had failed to reflect educational justice towards Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) graduates.

Zambry described the claim as misguided and irresponsible.

He said any educational stream seeking broader access to public institutions must demonstrate a willingness to operate within the country’s national framework, adding that the government must defend national principles and policies that form the basis of national identity and unity.

He added that the government’s decision to allow UEC holders to apply to public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) for selected Chinese language and literature courses, provided they obtain a credit in Bahasa Melayu and pass History in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, should not be regarded as vague, unfair or a systemic flaw as alleged by Dong Zong.

On the contrary, he said the move reflected an inclusive and responsible approach that respected the framework of the National Education Policy.

“In this regard, the position of Bahasa Melayu as the national language and History as the foundation of nationhood cannot be compromised. These principles must be implemented consistently and cannot change simply because of political pressure or demands from any party,” he said.

Elaborating further, Zambry said Malaysia’s future depends on a common foundation capable of uniting the people through Bahasa Melayu as the national language, an understanding of the country’s history and a shared spirit of nationhood.

He added that Dong Zong also needed to understand that public universities are national institutions governed by national policies, and therefore the government has the right to impose certain conditions to preserve educational standards, system harmony and the country’s long-term interests.

“The government remains committed to ensuring that the country’s higher education system continues to be inclusive, fair and of high quality. However, inclusiveness does not mean the government must sacrifice the country’s core policies.

“Openness also does not mean the nation should ignore the national principles that have formed the backbone of Malaysia’s development since independence,” he said. — Bernama

PONTIAN, May 14 — The government is drafting a restructuring plan for all 36 polytechnics nationwide to strengthen their role beyond offering certificate and diploma programmes, enabling them to provide degree and master’s level studies in the future.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the move was aimed at ensuring the institutions can meet current and future industry demands, particularly in high-technology sectors.

The ministry is reviewing the relevant legislation and is expected to table restructuring proposals involving all 36 institutions by the end of this year or early next year, he said. 

“We will review the overall ecosystem of the polytechnics, including the courses offered, to ensure they meet present and future demands and industry needs.

“For example, in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Electrical and Electronics (E&E), and semiconductors, where Malaysia is among the world’s major semiconductor producers,” he told reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony for the Pontian Community College at the Penghulu Mukim Benut Complex here today.

Zambry said the role of polytechnics needed to be re-evaluated, including their existing structure, as they could no longer function solely at the low- or mid-skilled training level.

“We need higher-level polytechnics capable of producing skilled talent in the sectors I mentioned. If we look at the world’s leading polytechnic models, they are also moving towards these broader ideas,” he said.

On today’s programme, he said the Pontian Community College project would be developed on an eight-acre plot owned by the Education Ministry, which has since been transferred to the Higher Education Ministry.

The RM70 million project is expected to begin construction next year and be fully completed by 2028 or 2029.

“The college will focus on agrotechnology, sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship to meet local industry needs, as proposed by Pontian MP Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ahmad, who is also Deputy Works Minister, said the Lifelong Learning Programme (PSH) in Pontian would begin within the next two weeks at the Penghulu Complex while awaiting completion of the permanent community college building. — Bernama