UiTM must stay accessible to disadvantaged Bumiputera students: Sultan

SHAH ALAM — The Sultan of Selangor has called on Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) to preserve its foundational mission of providing educational access to disadvantaged Bumiputera students.

Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah stressed that the institution should not lose sight of its core purpose as it continues to develop and expand its academic offerings. The remarks underscore the importance of maintaining equitable access to higher education for indigenous Malaysians from lower-income backgrounds.

UiTM, established as a premier institution for Bumiputera advancement, has grown into one of Malaysia's largest universities. The institution plays a crucial role in providing tertiary education opportunities to segments of the population that may face barriers to accessing other higher learning institutions.

The Sultan's statement reflects broader concerns about balancing institutional growth and modernization with the original objectives that guided the university's establishment. Education stakeholders have long debated how universities can expand their reach while maintaining commitments to their founding communities.

As Malaysia's higher education sector continues to evolve, the emphasis on accessibility for disadvantaged groups remains a key policy consideration for government and institutional leaders.