Govt to continue upholding UiTM's role in Bumiputera development – Zambry

The Malaysian government reaffirms its commitment to maintaining Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) as a vital institution in the educational, professional, and socioeconomic advancement of the Bumiputera community, according to Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. In his address during the Majlis Titah Diraja UiTM 2026, Zambry emphasized that the government will continue to safeguard UiTM's mandate and identity, which were instrumental in the university's establishment and growth.

He stressed that preserving what has been achieved thus far is not enough; the focus should be on strengthening, empowering, and advancing UiTM further.

Among the strategic measures undertaken by the government to support UiTM's development are the creation of the UiTM Rationalisation Coordination Committee (URCC), which will assess various aspects such as academics, research, innovation, governance, talent development, industry linkages, internationalization, and readiness to adapt to future technological and economic shifts.

The committee, chaired by Tan Sri Idris Jusoh, aims to ensure UiTM remains a premier institution driving the professional development of Bumiputera individuals with a strong mandate, high standards of excellence, and significant contributions to the nation and the world.

Zambry highlighted that UiTM's 70-year history, from 1956 to 2026, should be celebrated but also seen as a responsibility to chart the next seven decades. He stressed that the key question now is not just how far UiTM has come but also the direction it will take in the future. The ceremony, themed "Kecemerlangan Institusi Pendidikan Teras Pembangunan Negara," was attended by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, and the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin.