- Higher Education Minister Zambry denies Chinese students are limiting local students’ access to Malaysian public universities.
- Government policies prioritize Malaysian students, with quotas set by the Central University Admission Unit (UPU) strictly maintained.
- Malaysia attracts international students from over 150 countries as part of its education internationalization, with no compromise on local student rights.
Malaysia’s Higher Education Minister, Zambry Abdul Kadir, has firmly rejected allegations that an influx of Chinese students is restricting opportunities for Malaysian students to enter public universities. Speaking at a symposium in Bayan Lepas, Zambry clarified that claims suggesting foundation programmes at public universities are dominated by Chinese students are unfounded.
He emphasized that the government has never compromised the quotas set by the Central University Admission Unit (UPU), which prioritizes Malaysian students in public higher education institutions. “The priority at public institutions of higher learning is always Malaysian students, because these institutions are meant to provide education for Malaysians first”, Zambry stated.
The minister’s remarks came in response to a statement made by MCA president Wee Ka Siong in Parliament, where he alleged that more Chinese students than Malaysians were gaining admission to public universities due to their financial capability.
Zambry highlighted that Malaysia hosts international students from over 150 countries, including many who enroll in private institutions, as part of the country’s internationalization efforts. “They choose Malaysia because they trust our education system. Previously, they may have opted for Western countries, but due to increased geopolitical tensions and competition, they’ve turned to Malaysia instead”, he explained.
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Describing the allegations as baseless, Zambry warned that such claims only create unnecessary public anxiety and divisiveness without benefiting the nation. He urged parliamentarians and others with concerns to engage in constructive dialogue rather than politicizing the issue.
“I don’t want to see the creation of polemics that only do harm. When we make baseless accusations, we stir up unnecessary concerns”, he added.
Zambry’s comments seek to reassure Malaysians that access to public universities remains protected for local students despite growing international enrollment.
