Media Statement 
by DAPSY Negeri Sembilan Pro-tem Chief, Loke Siew Fook 
on Monday, June 10, 2002 
in Seremban

PAS Youth and Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS)’s opposition to the opening up of Mara College and matriculation to non-Bumiputra students is a retrogressive thinking and not in the spirit of national integration

PAS Youth Chief, Mahfuz Omar opposition to the opening up of Mara College and matriculation to non-Bumiputra students is most regretable and clearly contradicted with the Islamic principles outlined by PAS President at their recent muktamar. The PAS Youth’s stand on this issue have violated at least 2 principles featured in the Islamic State model ala-PAS which among others stated the principle of equality and the appreciation of meritocracy (As-Solahiyah). 

The argument by PAS Youth on the need of Bumiputra education institution to close the gap between races in Malaysia as stated in the objective of New Economy Policy (NEP) is outdated and should not be the mainstream thinking of Malaysians regardless of race in the era of globalisation where Malaysia is competing with the rest of the world. As what Mahfuz said that the Bumiputra students selected to Mara College are excellent students, then more academic competition among the students of different races should be encouraged. 

We should not limit the Bumiputra students just to be the best among the Bumiputras, but be the best and most competitive not just in Malaysia but internationally. It’s ridiculous to suggest that by offering 10% of the places to non-Bumiputra students, it’ll threaten the education opportunities of the Bumiputra students. 

If PAS Youth and other Malay NGOs led by GPMS are seriously concern about the education opportunities of the Bumiputra students, then they should pressure the government to provide more quality education and allocate bigger budget for education purposes to enable all deserving students to higher education. It’s irresponsible for them to gain political mileage by trying to deprive the rights of other races to education opportunities. 

Mara College, the education institution of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) was set up to uplift the socio-economic status of the poor and needy especially in the rural areas. As poverty is race blind, Mara College should be open to all students regardless of race who need assistance as far as education opportunities is concerned. PAS Youth must realize that there are many Indian students in the estates who are marginalised and should be given equal opportunity. 

DAPSY welcomes the support of UMNO Youth Chief, Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein and ex-Mara Junior Science Colleges Students Association (Ansara) on the proposal to allocate places for non-Bumiputra students to study in Mara College. As far as this issue is concerned, they seem to be more open-minded than the PAS Youth. However, DAPSY must remind UMNO Youth that this is only the first step and should not be the end of it. If they are sincere of a real national integration, then they must join hand with all the progressive forces in the country to work towards the objective of  “Education for All”.  

The ultimate objective should be the elemination of policy to provide exclusive education institution for one particular race. Education must be the basic right of every Malaysian, not a special privilege for any particular race.