Facing objection from certain quarters of the society, UiTM today clarified that the controversial Ibrahim Ali award has not been approved by the university authority.
"However, it was overlooked because there was a department that publicised it through Internet," said UiTM vice-chancellor Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar in a short message on his Facebook page.
He said that the award was suggested by Pasir Mas Independent MP Ibrahim Ali and it is still pending approval from the university senate and board of directors.
"UiTM did not choose the name or make any suggestion on the award. The suggestion came from Ibrahim Ali himself. I just requested it to be referred to the senate for decision. If it is agreed (by the senate), only then will it be brought to the board of directors for endorsement."
Sahol further explained that the process will take a long time as there are 60 professors, deans and campus rectors in the board.
"Every one of them acts as an individual. They cannot be lobbied. It is a strong and independent body in UiTM," he said.
"UiTM is concerned about the current situation and will not accept the award without any approval from the senate and board of directors. With this explanation, I hope the issue will not be raised again," Sahol added.
The introduction of the Ibrahim Ali award by UiTM to commend students who have proven they have “clear and consistent” principles in upholding their race has received brickbats from several quarters, including from within BN as well as opposition figures.
They were of the view that the lawmaker does not deserve such recognition as they have perceived some of his statements as being harmful to national harmony and unity.
The annual award was mooted by Ibrahim himself and announced by UiTM's Institut Pemikiran dan Kepimpinan Melayu (Impak).
The closing date for nominations is Sept 15, and the winner will be given a cash prize of RM5,000, sponsored by the Perkasa president himself, said Impak.
Ibrahim is a UiTM alumnus, having studied from 1971 to 1974 in the local university established to cater to the educational needs of bumiputras.
'Ibrahim Ali contributed nothing'
Meanwhile, Gerakan vice-president Mah Siew Keong today urged UiTM to drop any plan to endorse the Ibrahim Ali Leadership Award, stressing that Ibrahim had done nothing but make "racist statements and create problems".
Mah said if the university insisted on giving out such an award, it should be named after "distinguished individuals" who have served the country and contributed to its growth and unity.
"Giving an award in his (Ibrahim's) name will only tarnish the image of the university because he is not a good role model for university students.
"Besides, a university is a place where students are taught to be open minded and receptive to (a) multiracial concept... setting up such award in the name of Ibrahim Ali will send a wrong message to university students that they should follow his footsteps to be against the 1Malaysia concept," Mah ( right ) said in a statement.
He said he did a "quick survey" among Malay, Chinese and Indian friends and that none of them agreed to having an award named after Ibrahim.
"That shows what Malaysians think of Ibrahim Ali. Should the university proceed with such an award, it will lead to bad publicity... which might result in future UiTM graduates facing disadvantages when looking for jobs.
"I'm quite sure there are many people who are angry with Ibrahim Ali for his racist statements over the years, thus, it is unfair to graduates trying to get jobs if employers associate UiTM with Ibrahim Ali,” Mah added.
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