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©The Star (Used by permission)
by W.K.L., Penang

UNIVERSITI Utara Malaysia (UUM), a local government university, has been offering law courses for the last five years. A good number have graduated and many others still pursue the course.

Students take four years to complete the course which matches the design and syllabus of law courses offered by other local universities.

Students are also exposed to practical training as part of their course.

However, a check with the Malaysian Bar Council shows that the Bachelor of Laws degree awarded by UUM has yet to be recognised for admission to the Malaysian Bar.

Thus, the graduates are unable to practise and have to seek other employment while hoping for some positive development.

Pursuing a course which is not recognised by the related professional body is a waste of time, effort and money.

The Government has always defended the system and quality of public education. But in this case, a degree from the very system fails to satisfy the relevant professional body.

A situation like this is distressing to the graduates who have placed their faith in public institutions of higher education.

After having spent their productive years pursuing a degree, the graduates are sadly left in a void.

Most students who enrol in public universities are from families which cannot afford private institutions.

I understand that the university is working hard towards obtaining recognition.

I hope that all agencies, ministries and professional bodies would take the trouble to expedite this matter so that the graduates could make meaningful contributions and not live in anxiety and uncertainty for an indefinite period of time.

Otherwise, the course should be discontinued to save everyone (graduates, students, parents and the Government) further embarrassment and anxiety.

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