PETALING JAYA: The OKU (persons with disabilities) Inclusion in the Higher Education Institutions Policy remains in effect.

       Higher Education director-general Prof Datuk Dr Husaini Omar said the special pathway for OKU to enrol in universities, by fulfilling only the general criteria and special conditions of their chosen university, has not been blocked.

       This came after claims that an OKU could not secure a seat in the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Asasi Pintar Programme – a pre-university programme – for the 2021/22 academic session.

       Dr Husaini said checks by the Public Higher Education Institutions (IPTA) Student Admission Division showed that the applicant, who is an SPM 2019 graduate, did not meet the minimum requirements of obtaining 7 A- in subjects including Additional Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

       However, he said the applicant is still allowed to update his application until July 2.

       “The candidate had previously rejected an offer for the Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology programme at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin for the 2020/21 academic session,” he added.

       Dr Husaini said OKU applicants registered with the Social Welfare Department who submit an application through UPUOnline will be considered for admission without merit subject to meeting the general conditions and minimum special conditions set according to the study programme.

       He also said the programme that will be offered takes into account the availability of OKU-friendly infrastructure at the institution so that the student can learn comfortably.

       “The study programme also takes into account the applicant's academic achievement,” he said.

       Dr Husaini stressed that the ministry has worked towards providing equal access to all Malaysians including opening special channels for the OKU, B40, Orang Asli and athletes to enrol in certificates, diplomas, foundations and Bachelor's degrees courses at IPTA or public skills training institutions.

       “Improving access to higher education for the B40, OKU, Orang Asli and athletes is to ensure equity in higher education by giving every student the opportunity to reach their full potential regardless of location, race, gender or socio-economic background as outlined by the aspirations of access and equity in the Malaysia Education Blueprint (Higher Education),” he said.