18/08/2025

MONDAY | AUG 18, 2025

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‘End restrictions on university admissions for PwD’

Police seek help from TikTok over fake claim

Ű BY THE SUN TEAM news@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Authorities are seeking information from TikTok in connection with a user who claimed to be a surgeon involved in the autopsy of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are jointly investigating the matter. “We are waiting for TikTok to provide information to support the investigation. “I leave it to the police and MCMC to obtain the details and take appropriate legal action.” Fahmi earlier attended an arts and culture promotion programme at the People’s Housing Project in Kerinchi. The issue came to light after an individual posted online that he had attended the student’s autopsy. Fahmi had earlier stated that the TikTok account during a livestream alleged the user was present at the post-mortem on Aug 10. However, the Health Ministry verified that he was neither a specialist nor a ministry staff member. Authorities are also investigating the account ‘@berjuanguntukzara’ for disseminating inaccurate information, including conspiracy theories and bullying-related content. Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M Kumar said the case is being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948, Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act. Zara Qairina was found unconscious after reportedly falling from the third floor of her school hostel in Papar on July 16 and died the following day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital I. Honour Jalur Gemilang , says minister PUTRAJAYA: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa has reminded the public and owners of business premises to always honour the Jalur Gemilang as a symbol of the nation’s dignity and identity. She said the Malaysian flag, which serves to instil patriotism among the people, must be given due prominence. She also advised the public to fly the flag according to the prescribed guidelines. “What has happened in recent weeks serves as a reminder for us to be cautious when raising the Malaysian flag, which must be in line with the recommended guidelines, to safeguard the nation’s honour and the symbol of its glory,” she told reporters after the Madani Brisk Walk 2.0 programme at Taman Saujana, hosted by Putrajaya PKR, yesterday. Dr Zaliha said the event is in line with the Federal Territories’ vision of becoming a CHASE city (Clean, Healthy, Advanced, Safe and Eco Friendly). The theme for this year’s celebrations is Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni. – Bernama

interpret and apply ILP in daily practice and smaller class sizes are necessary to ensure meaningful attention. “Ultimately, it’s not just about having the document, it’s about creating a system that truly brings the plan to life.” Yahya added that strategies should be tailored to each child’s strengths, supported by therapy services, visual aids and flexibility in completing tasks. “The approach must be rooted in empathy and patience. Parents and caregivers must be closely involved as they play a critical role in the child’s development journey.” He also stressed that centres must provide comprehensive services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy for motor and sensory needs and behavioural therapy to build social skills. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier said the government would expand special education capacity under the 13MP, including setting up dedicated autism centres in every state. As of June, nearly 170,000 children with disabilities were recorded as having learning difficulties, including autism. awareness of autism at school level. “High-achieving autistic students often encounter roadblocks not because of their ability, but because of outdated policies and lack of inclusive practices. “Some course restrictions may amount to indirect discrimination. Even if not intentional, the effect is the same – capable students are denied opportunities they’ve earned.” He also called for applicants to be considered as individuals, not categories and for universities to appoint dedicated support officers to bridge students and academic departments. On the idea of a dedicated higher-learning institution for special-needs students, Wong said such a facility could provide targeted resources, specialist educators and integrated support. However, he cautioned against the risks of segregation. “A separate university might unintentionally create segregation, limit interactions with diverse peers and struggle with sustainability. “With the right opportunities and support, students with disabilities, including those with autism, can excel in the most demanding disciplines. “We must shift from asking, ‘Can they cope?’ to ‘How can we enable them to thrive?’ “Inclusive education is not charity. It is about unlocking potential. “An inclusive Malaysia is one in which every individual, regardless of ability, has an equal opportunity to pursue his or her dream.”

“These are not special favours. They’re reasonable adjustments that remove unnecessary barriers, allowing students to demonstrate their full potential.” Mohd Yusof also urged the centralised university application system to introduce clearer pathways for persons with disabilities, including plain language guides, infographics and videos. He urged the Higher Education Ministry to replace automatic restrictions with capability-based assessments, provide pre application consultations for PwD applicants, update entry requirements in line with assistive technology, strengthen disability support units and publish annual data on PwD admissions and retention. The autistic student, identified as Aniq, scored a matriculation GPA of 3.83 and met all entry requirements. However, during the third phase of the admission process, his chosen courses were removed from the system. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the ministry has opened an investigation and pledged a quick resolution. He assured that Aniq would be offered a place at one of the universities he applied to, adding that the International Islamic University Malaysia is also reviewing his case. National Autism Society of Malaysia chairman Julian Wong echoed these concerns, warning that systemic barriers still persist in higher education despite greater

o Educationists, advocates call for capability-based assessments, clearer pathways and stronger support systems

programmes, such as medicine or aviation, demand specific competencies for safety, licensure or regulatory reasons. However, he stressed that such limitations must be transparent, well-documented and applied only after thorough case-by-case reviews that consider reasonable accommodations. Malaysia has taken steps towards inclusivity through the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 and admission quotas in public universities. Some institutions have disability support units, but Mohd Yusof said implementation remains inconsistent. “In countries like the UK, under the Equality Act 2010 or the US with the Americans with Disabilities Act, policies ensure that no applicant is disadvantaged unless there’s a clear and justifiable reason. “International best practice prioritises universal design in learning, customised support plans and transparent admissions processes.” He emphasised that autistic students can thrive even in demanding fields if provided with appropriate support, such as sensory-friendly learning environments, tailored orientation programmes, flexible but rigorous assessments, peer mentoring and lecturers trained in inclusive methods.

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Plans to set up autism centres in every state under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) have been welcomed as a long-overdue step in providing specialised support for children with autism. Johor Disabled Children Charitable and Cares Organisation founder and president Dr Yahya Haidrus said the move recognised that early intervention and structured learning environments could transform lives. “Families of children with autism have, for years, struggled to find accessible, affordable and high quality support. “An individualised learning plan (ILP) is essential, as every child has a unique learning profile. It should set measurable goals across areas such as communication, behaviour, academics, motor and life skills.” Yahya emphasised that teacher-to student ratios must be low to meet different needs, and recommended ratios of 1:3 or 1:5, depending on severity and as low as 1:2 or 1:1 for high-support children. He added that educators require PETALING JAYA: Educationists and disability advocates have urged Malaysia’s university admissions system to drop automatic course restrictions on persons with disabilities (PwD) following the recent case of an autistic student who was reportedly disqualified from entering a public university because of his condition. They said admissions must move away from across-the-board restrictions and instead adopt case by-case assessments that recognise merit and capability. Universiti Teknologi Mara Shah Alam Faculty of Communication and Media Studies senior lecturer Dr Mohd Yusof Zulkefli said admission decisions should be based on academic performance, entry requirements and demonstrated ability, not assumptions tied to a diagnosis. “In Malaysia, university admission decisions should not default to limiting course options for students with autism simply because of their diagnosis. “The Malaysia Education Blueprint (Higher Education) 2015–2025 clearly emphasises widening access and ensuring equity.” He acknowledged that certain Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI AND MAHADHIR MONIHULDIN news@thesundaily.com

Autism centres to provide special support for families

Yahya said early intervention and structured learning environments for children with autism could transform lives. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

specialised training in autism spectrum disorder, sensory integration, behaviour management and assistive communication tools, supported by regular professional development and classroom aides. “Training alone is insufficient without supportive working

conditions and mentorship to retain quality educators.” To make ILP effective, Yahya called for a multidisciplinary approach involving teachers, therapists and parents, with regular assessments to monitor progress. “Teachers must be trained to