He said the claim that foundation programmes at public universities were filled with such Chinese students is not true and that the government has never sacrificed local student quotas to make room for international students for the sake of greater profits.

“We have never compromised on the policies set by the Central University Admission Unit (UPU). The priority at public institutions of higher learning is always Malaysian students, because these institutions are meant to provide education for Malaysians first.

“It is not true that we are denying local students their rights. We have never sacrificed the UPU-set quota,” he told reporters after opening a symposium at the Setia Spice Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas today.

He was responding to a statement made in Parliament yesterday by MCA president Wee Ka Siong, who claimed that more students from China, compared to Malaysians, were gaining admission into public universities because they could afford it.

Zambry said Malaysia hosts international students from more than 150 countries, including in private institutions of higher learning, in line with its internationalisation policy.

“They choose Malaysia because they trust our education system. Previously, they may have opted for Western countries, but due to increased geopolitical tensions and competition, they’ve turned to Malaysia instead.”

He also described such allegations as causing unnecessary public anxiety and fuelling polemics that bring no benefit to the country.

Zambry urged those with questions on the matter, including parliamentarians, to engage in direct discussions and seek constructive dialogue instead of politicising such issues in Parliament.

“I don’t want to see the creation of polemics that only do harm. When we make baseless accusations, we stir up unnecessary concerns.”