PETALING JAYA: MCA Youth has refuted claims by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that the Government recognised Tunku Abdul Rahman College’s (TARC) diplomas in a bid to win votes.

Its education bureau chief Chong Sin Woon said the claims were inaccurate as TARC’s high standards had been proven by the success and achievements of its students.

“The recognition of TARC diplomas by the Government is due to the high quality and standard of the courses as well as the excellent performances of TARC graduates.

“It is not due to political elements of vote fishing,” Chong said in a statement.

Chong noted that when Dr Mahathir was prime minister, he strongly supported TARC’s development.

“In the past, he has publicly voiced his support for TARC’s standards, but has since changed his mind and views TARC’s recognition as a political issue,” he said.

Chong said almost all TARC graduates had secured employment within six months of graduation.

He added that this proved that TARC graduates were equipped with practical skills and were of high quality.

“During his years in office, Dr Mahathir contributed greatly to the nation. But after his retirement, his statements suggest he is out of sync with the younger generation,” Chong said, adding that he hoped the former prime minister would “march in solidarity with the rakyat and not look at things only from his own perspective”.

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

Shortly after the announcement, Dr Mahathir was quoted by a Malay language weekly as alleging that the recognition was given because of votes.

-The Star-