When our prime minister introduced the ‘1Malaysia’ concept, it received tremendous support from the people of Malaysia and this concept slowly crept into organisations, government bodies, NGOs, functions, events and academic institutions.

Universities are of no exception when it comes to lending their support for this concept too. After all, these institutions are the ones that mould our future leaders.

Absorbing the concept into the institution is one thing but practicing it is another matter altogether.

Recently Malaysia’s premier university, Universiti Malaya, offered 30 places for the post of administration officers and this offer was taken up by applicants from the various races.

Sadly, when the positions were filled up, only one Chinese applicant was accepted and no Indians were given a post despite there being many Indian applicants.

Hence it brings the question, where is the concept of ‘1Malaysia’ being applied in this university?

Universiti Malaya being well-known as the top university in Malaysia should be the role model in cultivating the spirit of ‘1Malaysia’.

How else are their students going to instil this concept when even the university itself is not practicing what it preaches?

Hence I deeply urge Universiti Malaya to look into this matter and take the necessary action so that any decision or action made in the future is in line with the ‘1Malaysia’ concept as urged by our beloved prime minister.

This is also vital in order to retain the university’s good name in the years to come.