Johor bahru: Claims that higher education institutions are breeding grounds for corruption have been called irresponsible, as they risk undermining and tarnishing the reputation of the country's education system. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) vice-chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim emphasized that isolated cases should not be used to label all institutions of higher learning.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prof Dr Mohd Shafry remarked that it takes decades to build an educational institution, and such claims should not undermine its integrity. He further noted that these allegations have the potential to erode public confidence, including among students, in pursuing studies at local universities.

"We cannot label an institution that has been developed over many years just because of one or two issues; for me, that is not a responsible statement," he stated during a press conference following the launch of the UTM-University of Canterbury joint satellite laboratory.

Prof Dr Mohd Shafry made these comments in response to a recent news report claiming that higher education institutions have become breeding grounds for corruption. He asserted that every government agency or organization, including universities, has established integrity and governance systems, particularly in procurement processes.

He also expressed his confidence that any higher education institution would be prepared and open to cooperating with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) if investigations into corruption were to arise.