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		The TAR University, if established, should be of international standard and free from the yoke of political party. Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on the MCA President Dato' Seri Dr Ling Leong Sik's publicity of establishing a private TAR University, UTAR. 12.7.2001.
		Malaysia needs more good universities to cater for the modern society. But, all universities should not be shackled with any political party. Only by having academic freedom and cross-fertilization can we have world-class universities. The 1996 Education Act stipulates that Malaysian education should be world-class. In the sixties last century, MCA made the most of the Tunku Abdul Rahman, TAR, College because the Government refused to allow Merdeka University. Tar College has never recognized the Unified Examinations from Independent Chinese schools whereas universities like National University of Singapore do. Neither does it entertain any department of Chinese Studies unlike universities such as University of Malaya. At the beginning of the 21st Century, Dr Ling Leong Sik did not agree with TAR College becoming a university. In the last few days, Dr Ling becomes an educational celebrity by announcing the UTAR in the press, in particular the Chinese newspapers. Nanyang Siang Pao and China Press, which have been taken over by MCA, headline the issue. The university may even recognize the Unified Exams and allow Chinese Studies. We expect reactions from the communities, especially the Chinese community. Having been bruised in the Nanyang takeover battle, Dr Ling plans to rebuild his image on the UTAR issue.				MORE UNIVERSITIES On principle, one more university of international standard is good. This is so not only with TAR College but also others. In fact, if the New Era College can achieve world-class standard, the Educational Ministry should allow it to become a university. A good university has a good administration, unencumbered by factors such as the strangulation imposed by a political party. It exudes a conducive atmosphere for free flow of ideas and talents. If UTAR can exist without the yoke of a political party, then it can fulfill the needs of the society, including the recognition of the Unified Exams and the establishment of faculties like Chinese Studies. We have reservation about Dr Ling's announcement. For example, on the eve of the 1999 general elections, he announced that the Government approved five new Chinese primary schools. Twenty months later, we are still waiting for the schools. MCA is making political capital out of the UTAR. We hope that it will not be like the five new schools, letting the people wait. A political party should not be a concessionaire for a university. Neither should it have patent rights over a university. Therefore, the Education Ministry should consider carefully before letting any political party having a concession or patent rights over a university. Dr Tan Seng Giaw



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