Kuota Bumiputera masih perlu tapi mesti bersasar, kata ahli akademik

Anuar Ahmad, Deputy Chairman of the Inclusive Development and Advancement Institute at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, emphasized that the university admission quota for Malays and Bumiputera remains necessary, but must be more targeted and strategically planned. "The quota for now is still needed," he stated, "but the quota must be targeted, well-planned, and provided for the purpose of reducing social and educational disparities."

He stressed that in the long term, transitioning from quota to capability requires clear and strategic planning, as well as gradual implementation to prepare the public mindset. Meanwhile, Zambry Abdul Kadir, the Minister of Higher Education, argued that educational success should no longer be measured solely by the number of Malay and Bumiputera students entering universities, but by their proficiency in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), technology creation, intellectual property, and building global corporations.

Suhaiza Hanim Mohamad Zailani, the Director of the Development Studies Center at Universiti Malaya, agreed that meritocracy is important, but family background should also be taken into account. "Full meritocracy can only satisfy students from B40 and M40 families who lack access to extra classes or tutoring," she said. "If we can give a little flexibility in meritocracy, there should still be a certain percentage that considers family background. We also need a certain percentage that looks at their family profile and background."

She believes that universities should remain an inclusive educational space, as reducing quotas without addressing educational gaps in schools could lead to the disadvantaged lower-income group becoming more marginalized. Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, a senior lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Universiti Utara Malaysia, noted that the national education system now places increasing emphasis on merit over quota, but argued that the focus should shift from merely ensuring university access to providing quality education and nurturing the best talent.

"Let's cultivate the best talent that exists," he said. "So, Malay and Bumiputera children should also become the best and capable of becoming creators of knowledge, technology owners, and economic pioneers."