THE allegation that 30,000 to 60,000 students are entering public universities (UA) through the back door is a serious one that could affect the people's confidence in the integrity of the country's higher education system, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
He said the baseless allegation not only tarnished the image of UA but also created a bad perception as if the opportunities of deserving students were being taken away for financial gain.
Zambry said such a narrative had major implications for the public's trust, especially that of parents and students who were undergoing the admission process into institutions of higher learning (IPT).
"The admission system to public universities in this country is implemented through a clear, transparent mechanism and is based on merit and established qualification requirements," he said in a statement today.
He said, if it is true that there are tens of thousands of students entering the university through illegal channels, the parties making the allegations need to present evidence and facts to support their allegations.
According to him, accusations of that magnitude cannot be made arbitrarily because in the academic world, every figure cited must have a source, methodology and basis that can be tested for truth.
"Based on that consideration, several public universities have taken steps to file a police report to enable an investigation to be carried out.
"This action is not aimed at closing the space for criticism or restricting freedom of expression, but rather to ensure that every accusation that is thrown can be proven and held accountable according to the appropriate legal process," he said.
He also reminded that freedom of speech is not a license to spread baseless accusations because in the academic world, arguments must be answered with facts, while analysis is supported by data in addition to solid evidence.
He said that the party making accusations should be held accountable if they fail to provide solid evidence to support the statements that have been issued.
Zambry said that the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) is always open to constructive criticism to improve the weaknesses of the national education system, but it does not mean that excessive accusations can be left without any basis. - June 17, 2026
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