HIGHER Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir has urged all parties to avoid politicising admissions into public higher education institutions, saying such interference risks undermining established principles of meritocracy and affecting student aspirations.
He stressed that admissions into public universities are strictly based on merit and structured through the national University Admissions Unit (UPU), which serves as the official channel for addressing concerns and clarifying decisions.
“I hope that this matter will be given due attention by all parties. If there are issues, such as why a student with good results is not offered a place, the matter can be referred to the UPU.
“We are always open to providing explanations to parents, as we must remember that these are opportunities for our children who have their own aspirations,” Bernama reported him saying.
Zambry was speaking at a press conference after officiating the closing ceremony of the Jom Masuk Universiti (JMU) 2026 Carnival and launching the Global Educator Award 2026 at the Sultan Azlan Shah Campus of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI).
Also present were Perak Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah and UPSI Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff.
The minister reiterated that access to higher education extends beyond public universities, noting that students can also pursue further studies through technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, polytechnics and community colleges.
He said initiatives such as the JMU 2026 Carnival are designed to provide exposure and guidance to school leavers, particularly Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates, on available post-secondary pathways.
The two-day carnival, held at UPSI’s Sultan Azlan Shah Campus, is expected to attract about 20,000 participants and features 74 exhibition booths from higher education institutions and education agencies, alongside 60 entrepreneur stalls.Zambry said the programme aims to ensure students are better informed about educational opportunities and career pathways as they prepare to transition beyond secondary school. - April 26, 2026
