In Malaysia, the Higher Education Ministry has started working on a mutual agreement to recognize university programs offered in China.
Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Zulkefli A. Hassan, seen here, said a review of the mutual recognition agreement (MRA) with China would be ready by October. He said recognition of courses by the Malaysian government would encourage more students from China to pursue degrees in Malaysia.
Only a few programs at universities in China are now recognised by the government, such as Mandarin and traditional and complementary medicine.
There are more than 2,000 universities in China and those interested in admitting Malaysian students would have to submit an official application to the Public Service Department.
Zulkefli also said Malaysia would have to benchmark itself with the best university practices in the world, in line with its aim of becoming a regional education hub.
New Straits Times reported that, commenting on university students’ involvement in politics in Malaysia , Zulkefli said they were not allowed to take part, as it "can lead to a chaotic and uncontrolled situation at universities.
Students can be politically sensitive but they are banned from activities such as by-elections. They can express their critical thoughts or any grouses through dialogues or meetings, but not directly.
If they are allowed to join the politicians in by-elections, the situation can turn ugly at universities. It can be counter-productive, too."