IPOH: The Higher Education Ministry has denied allegations of discrimination against Indian students in tertiary education enrolment.

Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the recurring issue often involves students not being offered their first-choice programmes, particularly in critical fields.

"I would like to emphasise that we do not practise discrimination in student admissions. The fundamental principle is that if students meet the criteria announced by the prime minister — for example, those achieving straight As in all subjects — they will be offered a place.

"Critical fields such as medicine, pharmacy and dentistry are highly competitive. Thousands of students apply, but the seats available are limited. For instance, in medicine, there are only about 700 spots.

"While many students with straight As qualify, additional processes like interviews are also considered," he told reporters after closing the Perak Barisan Nasional (BN) Convention today.

Present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Perak MCA chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon and Perak MIC chairman Tan Sri M. Ramasamy.

Zambry, who is also BN secretary-general, was responding to Ramasamy's earlier speech highlighting concerns over Indian students being offered programmes not their field of choice, despite meeting the CGPA requirements.

Ramasamy urged Zambry to develop a solution to address this issue, warning that it could become a political talking point for the opposition ahead of the next general election.

Zambry acknowledged that this issue was often debated, with some parties requesting specific quotas.

"However, our policy is based on merit. No group is given preference over another.

"I must stress that not securing their first choice is the main issue raised and this affects not just Indian students, but also Malay, Chinese, Kadazan and Iban students. Many of whom achieve excellent results, but still face this challenge due to the limited number of seats," he said.

In special cases, such as students from extremely poor families or those unable to continue their studies, Zambry said the ministry offers assistance.

"For example, under the government's policy, we ensure that students from underprivileged backgrounds are given opportunities regardless of ethnicity or religion.

"In such cases, we focus on their right to education and provide the necessary support to ensure that they can continue their studies," he added.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/11/1139029/higher-education-ministry-denies-discrimination-allegations