Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) will continue its policy of accepting only Malay students, Orang Asli students, and natives of Sabah and Sarawak to bridge the socioeconomic gap between races.

According to Berita Harian, Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir emphasized that this policy is essential to fulfilling the government’s objectives.

He noted that the 2024 Bumiputera Economic Congress Report by the Ministry of Economy highlighted ongoing economic disparities between Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera communities, including differences in average monthly income, corporate equity holdings, poverty rates, and the production of skilled labor.

“In fact, continuous efforts are needed to address the absolute poverty rate among Bumiputeras,” he said.

“With UiTM, more Bumiputera children have the opportunity to pursue higher education and receive training to fill various positions, which is crucial for improving their quality of life and changing their circumstances,” he added.

This statement follows Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh's query about whether the government plans to amend the UiTM Act 1976 to allow non-Bumiputeras to study at UiTM.

Zambry reiterated that UiTM is a public university established under Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, as stated in Section 1A of the UiTM Act 1976 (Act 173).

He also mentioned that Article 153 of the Federal Constitution empowers the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to establish quotas for Malays, Sabahans, and Sarawakians, which forms the basis of the Bumiputera agenda for UiTM student admissions.