PM urges UiTM to continue advancing education for Malays and Bumiputera
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the need for Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) to play a crucial role in advancing education for Malays and Bumiputera. Speaking at the 25th Anniversary Gala of UiTM at Dewan Agung Tunku Canselor, UiTM Shah Alam, Anwar stressed the university’s importance in addressing issues of backwardness and poverty that still affect these communities.
According to Berita Harian, Anwar highlighted UiTM’s ongoing relevance, noting that despite global educational trends toward modernization, UiTM has managed to uphold and elevate Bumiputera values and perspectives, rather than merely adopting Western educational models. He praised UiTM’s commitment to providing unique and locally relevant education, which he described as a beacon of hope for future generations.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof read Anwar’s speech at the event, which was also attended by Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, the Pro-Chancellor of UiTM, and other dignitaries including Selangor Chief Minister Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and UiTM Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Shahrin Sahib.
Anwar reiterated UiTM’s significant achievements, noting its current QS World University Rankings of 587th, QS Asia University Rankings 98th position, and QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 599th place. He also acknowledged the university’s notable performance in ACCA exams and its advancements in the medical field through Hospital Al-Sultan Abdullah (HASA), which provides high-tech facilities and medical training.
The Prime Minister urged UiTM to understand and address the broader historical and educational challenges faced by Malays, emphasizing that poverty extends beyond financial issues to include educational and aspirational contexts. He stressed that while assistance is necessary, it is important for Malays to avoid over-reliance and to strive for self-sufficiency.
In celebration of Malaysia’s 67th Independence Day on Saturday, Anwar called on UiTM to emphasize the values of independence and to continue championing the educational rights of its students. He urged the institution to remain diligent and proactive in contributing to the nation’s development, emphasizing that current prosperity is the result of collective and sincere efforts.
Anwar also commended UiTM for its innovative initiatives in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its curriculum.