UiTM Reaffirms Integrity Commitment, Rejects ‘Hotbed Of Corruption’ Label On IPTs

SHAH ALAM, April 9 (Bernama) -- Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Shahrin Sahib @ Sahibuddin today stressed that the university takes any issues related to misconduct seriously and does not compromise on abuse of power.

In a statement, he said that under UiTM’s High-Impact Transformation Plan 2030, the university continues to strengthen its checks and balances mechanisms, including enhancing internal audits, integrity functions, risk management, as well as improving organisational structures and continuous monitoring to ensure all aspects of governance are carried out transparently and with accountability.

“Integrity is not merely about systems and procedures, but about trust - trust to Allah SWT, to society and to future generations.

“UiTM does not tolerate any form of corruption. If misconduct involving certain individuals occurs, action must be taken based on evidence and through proper channels, and isolated cases should not be used to label the entire higher education sector as a ‘hotbed of corruption’.

“Jangan kerana nila setitik rosak susu sebelanga,” he said, referring to the Malay proverb of not letting a single flaw tarnish the whole.

The statement was issued in support of Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, who said it was inappropriate to label higher education institutions (IPTs) as a ‘hotbed of corruption’, following media reports on alleged corruption cases involving the sector.

Shahrin said that in academic discourse and research, there is a concept known as ‘hasty generalisation’, which refers to drawing broad conclusions from limited data or observations.

“It is also known as a logical fallacy, an error in reasoning that makes an argument appear valid when it is actually weak due to insufficient evidence.

“As an institution of knowledge, we must be cautious not to make sweeping conclusions without a strong basis. Any assessment of institutions must be grounded in facts, evidence and proper context,” he said.

In addressing the issue, he said reporting should be balanced, factual and responsible so as not to undermine public confidence in national education institutions.

He added that a measured, fact-based approach would help strengthen the system, while broad labelling without context could erode public trust in ongoing and existing improvement efforts by higher education institutions.

UiTM also expressed appreciation for the role of the media as a strategic partner in disseminating information to the public and called for reporting on higher education to be fair, balanced and fact-based in order to safeguard public confidence in national education institutions.

-- BERNAMA