Quota system in the higher level of education in Malaysia: a study of students perception towards the quota system in the higher level of education in Malaysia / Morhafila Morshidi, Grace Rudey Singa & Jammeson Garry Dickson

The concept of Quota System in education has been discussed, debated and elaborated by various parties. During the month of August 2001 the issue of Quota System was the talk of the town as there was a free and wide discussion in the press. Since it has been 49 years since our country achieved independence on 31 August 1957, Quota System was included in the national education in the country and now we believed that it is timely to re-evaluate the national education. Usually we will heard that people has always been describe Quota System as an action that had been taken to uplifting the social, economic and cultural standards of the Malays. For some people they may think that it is not fair to be implemented in our country as it will only give advantages to the Bumiputra only. However, the society will have to think on the bright side where one of the goals of this policy is to help the country ethnic majority to move forward as it has also helps to create a flourishing private market for higher education. Previously Quota System have been only implemented to public universities only but it is now may be extended from public universities to private universities. In 2001 by official estimates, Malay students or the Bumiputra s make up not more than 15% of the entire intake into private collages. That is why the Quota System needs to be extended to private universities as well.