KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has vowed to continue protecting Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) as an institution for the Malays, Bumiputera and Orang Asli.

Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the matter has been emphasised by its president, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, as well as by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on several occasions.

"We are committed to preserving Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) institutions, which also include UiTM.

"We have heard various stories related to UiTM recently. However, I want to inform you that the president (Zahid) has stressed that the higher learning institution must be protected.

"This was also agreed upon by the prime minister (Anwar). Therefore, we will ensure that any issues are resolved, as this is part of our commitment," said Zambry, who is also the Higher Education Minister.

Zambry said this during his speech at the Umno PenTalk, held in conjunction with the 2024 Umno General Assembly today.

Earlier this year, several calls were made by certain quarters, including the Malaysian Medical Association, for UiTM to open up its cardiothoracic programme to non-Bumiputeras due to the shortage of specialists in the field.

These calls, however, were criticised by several Umno leaders, who emphasised that UiTM's original objective upon its establishment was solely to assist the Malays, Bumiputera and Orang Asli.

This includes Wanita Umno chief Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad, who said that UiTM's agenda to increase Bumiputera participation in higher and professional education is a cornerstone of the national education system and that its authenticity must be preserved.

In June, Zambry reiterated that retaining UiTM's policy for the Malays, Orang Asli, and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak is still necessary to achieve the government's aspiration to bridge the gap between races, particularly in socio-economic aspects.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/08/1094630/umno-vows-protect-uitms-role-institution-malays-bumiputera