Topic > University Technology Mara's Contributions to...

Do you know what University Technology Mara's (UiTM) contribution has been and its importance to Malaysians from 1956 to date? Since inception RIDA (Rural Industrial Development) was established in August 1950, RIDA's objective is to assist and train Malaysians in rural areas with the potential to improve the economy. RIDA subsequently changed its name to “Dewan Latehan RIDA” and in 1966 it was called “Maktab MARA”. After some transformation and modernization processes, "Maktab MARA" is finally called ITM (Institude Technology Mara) and is built on the 300-acre site in Shah Alam by Tun Abdul Razak. The peak is August 26, 1999, when our former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahatdir Mohammad announces that ITM will be called UiTM (University Technology Mara), and automatically Yang Dipertuan Agong will be a Chancellor of UiTM and also the designated Pro-Chancellor of following height. After the UiTM has undergone some modernizations and changes, but the UiTM still remains with its objectives of improving and ensuring the integrity of the uncertain native socioeconomic status. In order to protect the special right of natives, Act 173 is formed by the Ministry of Higher Education to ensure our University Technology Mara can compete with other universities in Malaysia. According to the UiTM website “Act 173 provides guidelines for maintenance and proper administration, as well as other relevant matters. The act also serves as recognition of the institution's transition from an institute to a university and the authority given to it to function like any other university. This includes offering courses of study and awarding qualifications at all levels. Earlier this year, we were surprised when Mara University of Technology attempted to get involved in political mudslinging by someone who is not responsible, but these actions are already questionable and the entire student of Mara University of Technology will not agree, in line with state law in Article 153, Constitution. This is because the economic status of Bumiputra does not achieve the objective of the New Economic Policy, including aspects, the relationship between Malays and non-Malays is still not balanced in the economy. According to Sabri Ahmad “The Bumiputeras in this very country have been taken one by one, starting with 10% quota for MRSM and also Matrikulasi for non-bumiputeras, the last one is opening 45% quota for non-bumiputeras”. This is not about racism or justice, but about our right to be welcomed into a balanced and competitive race with other races, establishing ITM or now called UiTM as the last fortress in defending the dignity of the Malay nation.