Opposition can’t protect UiTM: Najib
> ‘It does not have agenda to safeguard institution’s status’
RAUB: Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak said the government will continue to safeguard the interests and status of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) as an educational institution that creates many bumiputra intellectuals and professionals.
The prime minister said this was different from the stand of the Opposition which he claimed did not have an agenda to safeguard the institution established in 1967 to enhance the socio-economic standard of bumiputras.
“I want to be frank. It has never crossed the mind of the other (opposition) side to ensure the interests and status of UiTM. Who do you want to trust, (DAP leaders) Nga Kor Ming, Lim Kit Siang? Neither can you trust any other person,” he said at the opening of the Raub campus of UiTM.
Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob and UiTM vicechancellor Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Hassan Said were also present.
Najib said the setting up of the university had enabled many bumiputras to hold important positions in the public and private sectors and had helped social mobility regardless of background.
“Today, people in the most remote of villages also have the opportunity to study at UiTM. A special programme of going to villages conducted by this institution has changed the destiny of many bumiputra children.
“We seek out students who are unable to excel in their studies due to poverty and expose them to the importance of getting a good education for their future.”
The people, he said, must choose the government wisely on polling day on May 9 to ensure the continuation of educational opportunities.
“We must favour those who provide us with benefits. What’s the point of winning battles but losing the war? We can elect anyone but the most important consideration is whether the chosen ones can provide us with a better life.
“Which side can make a difference for us? Is it the DAP, Pakatan? Who looked after us over the past 60 years, who brought development? Was it not the BN government from the time we were small until we grew into adults? And, UiTM. Who looked after UiTM? Who are the leaders who brought UiTM to this level, were they not the BN leaders?”
Najib said UiTM had surged 23 positions to be the 158th among the outstanding universities of Asia, according to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asia University Rankings 2018.
Najib urged Malay voters in Raub to support the BN candidate, Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, to ensure victory for the coalition.
“I urge you to set aside minor differences. Let’s be open-minded. We don’t want small victories, we want to win the big war because we want to have a strong government,” he said. – Bernama