Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir has called on all parties to stop making excessive demands regarding university admissions through the UPUOnline system, warning that it will only worsen the situation.
In a video statement on Saturday, Zambry urged Malaysians to strengthen trust in the nation’s higher education system for the sake of students’ futures.
“The ministry (KPT) is always open to discussions and constructive suggestions from all quarters. But we must avoid manipulation or agendas that could disrupt the situation,” he said.
He also reminded the public to be cautious when making statements about the issue.
“I want to remind everyone to be more careful when issuing statements or pressing for demands that could cause anxiety and unrest, especially when it comes to access to higher education, as we’ve recently heard regarding student placements at universities,” he explained.
According to Zambry, the appeal and consultation processes are available through UPUOnline, while a special helpdesk has also been set up in the KPT lobby to assist students facing application problems.
“As mentioned earlier by the Director-General of Higher Education, Prof Dr Azlinda Azman, and UPUOnline itself, all problems can be resolved through the proper process,” he said.
He stressed that the ministry is committed to solving any issues raised by applicants to ensure they have fair opportunities to pursue higher education.
“Every year, some students succeed, some don’t, and some request changes after receiving offers. This is normal and has always been managed through established processes,” he added.
Zambry further cautioned certain groups not to exploit the admissions issue for political or personal agendas.
“The ministry is committed to ensuring fair opportunities for all students based on meritocracy, demographic distribution, and socioeconomic considerations, including those from B40 families,” he said.
He concluded by stressing that no one should challenge or undermine the credibility of the UPUOnline system, which has long functioned effectively through channels such as matriculation, foundation studies, and STPM, adding that the ministry will continue to ensure smooth operations while rejecting unfounded allegations of system failure.
