UiTM difficulties must push institution to improve, says Zambry

Shah Alam: Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) must leverage its current challenges as a driving force for improvement, according to Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. The minister emphasized that weaknesses within the university should be openly addressed and targeted for strengthening, rather than being ignored.

Zambry stressed that the institution will not allow these shortfalls to persist simply to avoid confronting them. Instead, UiTM's commitment is to strive for improvement and restoration of the institution, he stated during the Wacana Semarak Patriotisme Seminar Ilmuwan Islam at UiTM Shah Alam. The university has been under scrutiny following a criminal breach of trust case involving a former UiTM Holdings Sdn Bhd executive, who is accused of misappropriating RM37.37 million.

UiTM Holdings has also accumulated significant pre-tax losses over the past few years. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched an investigation into potential governance lapses, including a solar project in Gambang, Pahang. MACC's Chief Commissioner, Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman, recommended improvements based on the investigation.

Zambry emphasized UiTM's significance, noting that it has produced over a million graduates since its inception as the Rural and Industrial Development Authority (Rida) Training Centre. The institution holds great historical importance in the Malay people's struggle. As graduates of UiTM, Zambry asked, how will these individuals become nation builders?

The minister's primary objective is for UiTM graduates to become knowledge seekers. Once knowledge is acquired, it becomes an integral part of them, shaping their character and manners.