Better quality in public and private universities in Malaysia.

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw calls on the Higher Education Minister to step up his efforts to improve the quality of public and private universities, so that Malaysia will truly become an international education hub. Whatever system he uses, it should be fair and just, making sure that it is effective.

Dr Tan notices the the Rating System for Malaysian Higher Education Institutions (Setara). It is not compulsory for private universities to take part. But, Higher Edcuation Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Nordin wants to make it compulsory next year.

There are 20 public universities and over 20 private universities inthe country. The quality of these universities must be improved. Hitherto, only the Science University in Penang has been designated Apex university. Although it made a mistake in the enrolment of students recently, we would like to see that USM will reach the apex. Other universities, in particular Malaya University and National University are trying to show that they are better than USM.

Foreign university campuses such as Nottingham, Monash and Curtin would want to maintain their quality through their own system. But, other private universities must find their own ways to provide quality education, including the intake of students.

Apparently, the Setara system analyses university courses on sixareas, namely, academic staff, student selectivity, research, academic programmes, resources and management. Whatever it is, Khalid would have to be certain that it is fair and just.

The minister must find ways and means to get our univeristies to be among the top 100 or even top 50 of the world. So far, none has achieved that. Even to get into the top 200 is difficult.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw