KUALA LUMPUR: The government should implement a transparent and fair mechanism in the matriculation programme to ensure deserving students do not feel discriminated against, says a civil society organisation.

This follows Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's pledge that all students with 10As and above in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) from all races and localities would be guaranteed a place in matriculation or foundation programmes at universities.

Civil society organisation Pusat Komas said they were also monitoring the implementation of the registration of matriculation students.

"We would like to see a transparent and just mechanism being put in place so that well-deserving students do not feel like they're being discriminated against," it said.

It said even though affirmative action was important, it should not disadvantage other Malaysians as per the Federal Constitution.

"Those who deserve help should receive all the support they need, but we must also not forget those who deserve it based on merit," it said.

Pusat Komas also commended the prime minister for his bold decision to dismantle racial barriers in the education sector.

The organisation also applauded the announcement as a significant step towards recognising top talents by offering pre-university education in Malaysia based on merit rather than race.

"In the past, the matriculation programme has selected students based on a quota system that reserves 90 per cent of spots for Bumiputeras.

"Only 10 per cent was allocated for non-Bumiputeras, leaving non-Bumiputera top scorers vying for limited spots and feeling inadequate when they were not selected for matriculation despite their excellent grades," it said.

Meanwhile, Pusat Komas has sought clarification on whether the announcement applied only to those scoring 10As and above, as many straight-A students do not necessarily take 10 or more SPM subjects.

Previously Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir had clarified that SPM high scorers who obtained fewer than 10As could appeal for spots in either matriculation or university programmes.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/1071377/have-fair-mechanism-matriculation-spots-says-ngo