Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) have contributed quite substantially to education in this country. If not for the opportunity provided, especially during the initial years, many students, especially the non-Malays, would have nowhere to go.
The courses provided, such as professional accountancy and building management, were relevant and provided much needed manpower for the country.
These two institutions are not the most glamorous when compared with other universities/colleges, but they have done their job reasonably well in terms of quality of students produced, given their tight budget. Tuition fees imposed are substantially lower when compared with other private universities.
The present predicament of TAR UC and Utar is their association with MCA, the coalition partner of the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) before the government changed hands. My question is: is it fair to punish these two institutions immediately without giving them sufficient leeway for adjustment?
It is a historical fact that TAR UC and Utar were initiated and promoted by MCA at a time when tertiary education opportunities were lacking in the country. These institutions provided lifelines to many students, especially those from smaller towns and poorer families.
Speaking as layperson, I don’t think MCA has gained politically and financially from TAR UC and Utar. These are essentially non-profit educational institutions serving all Malaysians, not just MCA members or leaders.
I would prefer that the new government give MCA and these two institutions more time to adjust to the new reality. To instantaneously withdraw the matching grant is unfair and draconian.
How does MCA decouple itself from TAR UC and Utar immediately? To whom should MCA divest the institutions? Would the new owner of TAR UC and Utar be running these institutions on a non-profit basis? Which billionaire/corporation would be willing to do this on a continual basis? Would the new government be willing to buy over these two institutions?
Sometimes I think we like to carry arguments to ridiculous levels. Why can’t a political party get involved in education or any other social or economic programme? In this regard, I fully support Rafizi Ramli’s idea to set up a cooperative within PKR to help and financially empower its members.
Concerns of abuse are not always due to political parties controlling such programmes. It is poor governance, corruption and putting the wrong people on the job.
If the new government is concerned about MCA controlling TAR UC and Utar, I think there are better ways to handle this than immediately cutting off their budget allocations.
These two institutions could be allowed to operate independently with minimal interference from MCA and with proper safeguards and audits. I do not see how ownership is so important here.
P/S: Maybe it is better for me to declare my vested interest here. I studied at TARC for a year on a borrowed premise in a school in Cheras.
TK Chua is an FMT reader.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.