KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran Umno politician Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah believes that the role of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) can change, if need be.

However, the former Gua Musang member of parliament said there was no pressing need for it to take in non-Bumiputera students.

Tengku Razaleigh was commenting on calls for UiTM to expand its post-graduate programme for cardiothoracic surgery to non-Bumiputeras.

"If we set up a body for a specific reason, let it stay that way. There may be times when we can make changes, if there is a need to change.

"But, at this point in time, it looks like the situation does not call for it. So, we should continue with its original aim (of being only for Bumiputeras)," he said after the launch of his memoir titled "Ku Li: Memoir 205".

However, Tengku Razaleigh he did not elaborate on what circumstances would necessitate change.

Recent calls were made by several quarters, including the Malaysian Medical Association, for the university to open up its cardiothoracic surgery programme to non-Bumiputeras due to the shortage of specialists in the field.

UiTM is believed to be the only university in the country which offers a parallel pathway training programme in cooperation with the National Heart Institute.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, however, had said no such discussions have been held regarding the matter at cabinet level.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/1053673/ku-li-uitm-should-remain-bumiputeras-only-now