Gerakan has thrown in its support to MCA for establishing Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TARC) to give Malaysians opportunity to pursue higher education.

Gerakan vice-president Dato’ Dr Teng Hock Nan said MCA had done well in its contribution towards education for the people and the country.

“TARC and UTAR (University Tunku Abdul Rahman) are not meant for any race. They are for all Malaysians,” said Dr Teng, adding that the government’s recognition of UTAR degrees and TARC diplomas proved that the two education institutions had high academic standard.

Dr Teng, who is also Penang Gerakan chief, said the government’s recognition was based on quality and merits of the graduates and the curriculum matches the requirements of the nation’s academic standard and not based on any political consideration.

He said the academic standard of TARC is recognized by the private sector in Malaysia as well as other international universities for degree and post-graduate courses.

Dr Teng said Gerakan strongly disagreed with former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s claim that the government’s recognition of TARC diplomas was a bid to win votes.

He urged the people to meticulously analyse Dr Mahathir’s statements in relation to politics and issues, some of which are not in line with the 1Malaysia concept.

Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak had announced last month that TARC diplomas and higher diplomas would now be recognised by the Public Service Department (PSD).

On Thursday, MCA Youth also refuted the claims by Dr Mahathir, saying the claims were inaccurate as TARC’s high standards had been proved by the success and achievements of its students.