UM: No 'backdoor' entry in dual admission system

New Straits Times

a day ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Malaya (UM) has dismissed allegations of inequality in its dual admissions process, saying that the data cited by MCA to question the meritocracy of the system was "misleading."
UM vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said the figures presented by the MCA president concerning the increase in undergraduate enrolments via the UM Open Channel (Saluran Terbuka Universiti Awam, or Satu) from 2018 to 2022 failed to take into account the full context of the university's admissions framework.
His response came in the wake of remarks made by Ayer Hitam member of Parliament Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong in a video posted on June 24.
In the video, Wee called for the suspension of UM's Satu intake for the 2025/2026 session until the higher education ministry reviews its admissions mechanism, following claims of structural inequality.
This was as Wee had launched a position paper by MCA on the matter, in which the party said the apparent selectiveness in UM's student admissions raised questions about meritocracy in the process.
"In fact, the number of students admitted through the main channel (UPU) remains consistent every year and continues to meet intake projections set by the Higher Education Ministry," he said.
"There has been no reduction in UPU quota or displacement of UPU candidates as a result of the alternative Satu route," he said.
Noor Azuan said that UM uses two separate channels to admit students into its undergraduate programmes: UPU, which is managed by the Higher Education Ministry; and Satu, which offers an alternative route for qualified applicants with the ability to self-fund their studies.
He said all admissions, whether via UPU or Satu, are merit-based, and that no shortcuts or backdoor entries are allowed.
"Satu is not a backdoor, but an additional door. It expands opportunities and strengthens the system without closing the path for deserving students."
He said the dual-channel approach was a strategic response to growing demand for limited placements in critical programmes such as medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.
"UPU is highly competitive, and many excellent students are turned away due to limited capacity. Satu creates additional seats without affecting UPU quotas."
He added that the initiative also aimed to curb the outflow of local talent overseas, noting that many Malaysian students had been forced to pursue costly medical studies abroad.
"With Satu, they can now study in Malaysia, closer to their families and cultural roots, reducing brain drain and enhancing the supply of local talent."
Noor Azuan also pointed out that the use of alternative admission pathways was in line with global practices, citing examples from the United Kingdom, Australia, Indonesia and the United States.
On the recent fee hikes for students under the Satu channel, he said the adjustments were necessary to reflect the actual cost of providing high-quality medical education, particularly clinical training and the maintenance of teaching hospital facilities.
"The revised fees apply only to Satu students and do not affect the government's subsidy for UPU students, who continue to enjoy up to 95 per cent tuition support."
He acknowledged the financial concerns raised by some quarters but assured that no deserving student would be denied access to education due to financial hardship.
"Scholarships, financial aid, and welfare assistance will continue to be made available and expanded."
Noor Azuan said the university welcomed suggestions to expand UPU quotas for medical and other critical programmes, but said that such decisions must be approved by professional bodies such as the Malaysian Medical Council, Pharmacy Board and Dental Council.
"UM remains open to engagement with these bodies to ensure national needs are met. The university is not just a centre of learning, but a place of hope for the future."
He reaffirmed UM's commitment to transparency, meritocracy and social equity, adding that the university had no intention of engaging in polemics but felt compelled to correct public misconceptions.