Allegations that between 30,000 and 60,000 students were admitted into public universities through a “backdoor” channel are a serious accusation that could undermine public confidence in the integrity of Malaysia’s higher education system, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
He said the claims were baseless and not only tarnish the reputation of public universities but also create a negative perception that deserving students may have been unfairly denied places for financial gain.
Such narratives, he added, have significant implications for public trust, particularly among parents and students currently going through the university admission process.
“The admission system to public universities in this country is implemented through a clear, transparent mechanism based on merit and established eligibility requirements,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Zambry stressed that if allegations involving tens of thousands of students entering through illegitimate channels were true, those making the claims must provide evidence and factual basis to support them.
He said such sweeping accusations cannot be made lightly, as academic discourse requires verifiable data, methodology, and evidence.
Following the allegations, several public universities have lodged police reports to allow investigations to be carried out.
“This is not intended to silence criticism or restrict freedom of speech, but to ensure that any claims made can be proven and held accountable through proper legal processes,” he said.
Zambry also reminded that freedom of speech does not grant licence to spread unsubstantiated accusations, stressing that in academia, arguments must be supported by facts and data.
He added that those making the allegations must take responsibility if they fail to provide concrete evidence to support their claims.
The Higher Education Ministry, he said, remains open to constructive criticism aimed at improving the education system, but will not tolerate unfounded accusations that could damage its integrity.
“KPT will continue to defend the integrity of the country’s higher education institutions and ensure public confidence in Malaysia’s higher education system is not undermined by baseless claims,” he said.
