Malaysians Say The Darndest Things!

The Dissenting Voices Of UiTM Students

August 20, 2008

Do all UiTM students share the same views? If you’ve had any experience with dealing with probability, the answer would certainly be no. To say all UiTM students are insecure or racist or narrow-minded based on the actions of a few thousand students (and their UMNO-loving vice-chancellor) would be over-generalizing. However, it cannot be denied that UiTM’s reputation among the 30-40% non-Malay population in this country has taken a big dive (just ask around).

After reading many news reports and some blogs regarding the issue, those supporting the protesting students cite reasons why UiTM should not be open to non-Malays. To put it simply, here are some of the common ‘reasons’:

1) UiTM is protected under Article 153. Therefore, no one should question the constitution.

2) Malay rights should not be questioned.

That’s it. Basically, most of the reasons why 10% should NOT be opened to other races is only to protect this thing called the “Malay rights”.

Are they wrong? In my opinion, yes. If they were to argue that letting in 10% will erode the reputation and credibility of the institution (and provide proof), then I can accept. If they were to argue that letting in 10% will cause the academic performance of UiTM to suffer, then I can accept. But to argue only on the basis of the rights of one race over the others, I find that reason too flimsy.

I believe that there are certainly more credible reasons to actually allow 10%, but I wanted to hear from UiTM students themselves about this. Therefore, in my initial post regarding the UiTM protests, I had asked the UiTM students who didn’t agree with the protests to speak up and be heard.

Here is a dissenting voice from reader suealeen:

UiTM Juniors… Think Before You Act!

Another blogger, Kai left the following comment:

I am a Universiti Teknologi Mara [UiTM] student. A law student to be exact. But I don’t agree with the over reaction of my fellow UiTM students.

Personally, I do think that it is a great IDEA to open up 10% of the quota. Besides integration, it will definitely give UiTM a new way of work and study culture as well as a very good competition among students.

It is just 10% and there is nothing to shout about… Or maybe, is it because [like a friend of mine said] these students [who thought they are heroes championing UiTM] are afraid that if the quota is to be opened, then 10% of top places in exam results will be monopolized by non-Bumiputeras? If that’s the reason, then it is good. It will make Bumiputera students study harder to gain good grades.

I was thinking after reading the newspaper, will the reaction be the same if UMNO leaders are the one who made such statement? I don’t think so… Even there was not as much fuss as this time when Dr. Mahathir first made such statement in 2003 [as reported in today's Star].

Maybe the real reason the students gathered at the SUK that morning was to skip their class.. Lectures in UiTM start at 8.30 a.m until 10.30 a.m for the first session and 10.30 a.m to 12.30 p.m for the second session.

As the ‘Perhimpunan’ was held from 7.00 am to 10.30 am, well, maybe the crowd who went there were those who had classes at 8.30 - 10.30… Haha.. Just a wild assumption. It might not be true.. ;p

Anyway, not all students actually disagree with the suggestion by the MB. Some of us really think that we need to mingle. I asked my friends and most of them supported the idea. After all, the students had been pampered and spoon fed for so long and a new culture need to be inculcate so that the students will be ready to face the globalisation world that await them [including me, of course..].

And I can’t help but to say, how paranoid the 5000 students who demonstrated and the VC was… I mean, it was just a mere suggestion and they know that the MB can’t do anything more than just, well,… talk. So, what’s the fuss all about?

But to be honest, not all UiTM students are that racists and second class. I could read law at other institutions with my grades, but as UiTM law faculty is among the most established law faculty in Malaysia, I read law here. Even when people asked me many times why I chose UiTM, when I told them I read law here, they understand me. And that is why, I love the university.

But to my fellow friends, please don’t over react… Act wisely… If you can demonstrated for UiTM, where were you when students from other institutions demonstrated in front of the Parliament regarding AUKU?…. -_-

As if suddenly more silent voices were clamoring to be heard, another UiTM student wrote a letter to Haris Ibrahim’s People’s Parliament blog. However, there is a minor something that I do not agree with the letter writer, which is this:

And the sad thing is, there is little avenue for any of them to express themselves in the University or externally. With the little avenue available, those that attempt to express themselves are usually met with threats and childish arguments.

To the letter writer, if he/she is reading this, you have an avenue. It is called the Internet. It is better to speak up if you feel strongly about it, rather than stay silent. Start a blog, share your comments, start a Facebook group, whatever, as long as you can proudly say to yourself that you have spoken up and done all you can.

The only people who can repair the damage to UiTM’s reputation are the UiTM students themselves. Therefore, to those who want to share their dissenting voices, I dedicate this post to you. You own this space to express yourself, so use it.

If you want to argue in favor of the protesting students, sure, go ahead. But please don’t give me any reasons that are linked solely to Malay rights. I already know what you want to say.

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