PRIME Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is facing criticism from netizens for his replies to a student who asked him why the authorities are not ending the public higher education institutions (IPTA) quota in Malaysia.In Malaysia, universities like Universiti Teknologi MARA (UITM) have a strict quota for Bumiputras and non-Bumiputras.
In his reply to the student, Anwar said that eliminating the quota system could lead to electoral losses for the Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition government in all upcoming elections.Anwar said the unity government intends to uphold the quota system across the IPTA as a means of preserving the longstanding social justice principles since the nation’s independence.While he cautioned against disregarding the historical and social contract context stating that pushing for the system’s removal would create instability and potentially subject the country to the governance of PAS and Bersatu, resulting in further challenges, many on Twitter were not happy with his answer.They are also not happy that he stopped the student many times, urging the latter to ask the question directly instead of explaining the IPTA problem in a lengthy speech.They say he replied to the student’s question rather sternly. Netizens feel that he should have a softer approach when it comes to students in the country, especially on a highly sensitive topic.Twitter user @ruffnazir stated:
@anwaribrahim Apa pun PMX kena perlahankan sikit nada bila bersoal jawab dgn golongan muda sebegini. Terkejut juga bila PMX agak keras dengan student. Ya, tegas tapi jangan keras. Mereka bukan ahli politik atau dewasa macam orang dah kerja.
— ruffnazir X (@ruffnazir) August 5, 2023
(Whatever it is, Anwar needs to tone down a bit when interacting with the younger generation like this. It was surprising to see Anwar being quite stern with the students. Yes, being firm is necessary but not too harsh. They are not politicians or adults with work experience.)
Moreover, Twitter user @azlierzimi added:
Jawapan yang memuaskan, tetapi kurang gemar dengan cara lontaran jawapan itu diberikan kepada anak muda itu. Tepukan gemuruh buat anak muda yang bertanya soalan yang sangat berani itu.
— Azlie. (@azlierzimi) August 5, 2023
(The answer was satisfactory, but I am not fond of the way the response was delivered to the young individual. A thunderous applause for the brave student who asked such a bold question.)
Meanwhile, some agree with PM in terms of his tone towards the student.
Esok hang kerja hang tanya soalan mcm tu pada Boss hang, sat saja hang kena terajang keluar tingkap.
Tengok pula cara lontaran Boss hang mcm mana. 😛
— The Irrigator (@HashimNguyen) August 5, 2023
(If you try asking your boss such a question, you might end up getting thrown out of the window! Just see how your boss’ response will be. 😛)
However, when it comes to the whole issue of the government’s IPTA stance, there are quite a few who are sarcastic. – Aug 6, 2023
Well he is not wrong. A 1 A student in interior of sarawak can’t never compete with an 8 A student in jalan cochrane. One needs to climb tree for internet while the other one just need to crossroad to dine in aircond mall.
— Running Bob 🏃♂️ (@fatboycanrun) August 5, 2023
