KUALA LUMPUR – Chong Chieng Jen (Stampin-PH) has filed for an emergency motion requesting to debate the issue of students who scored at least 10As in SPM but were not accepted into any matriculation programmes.
He added that many outstanding students were not offered places in matriculation in the recently published intake list, despite Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim assuring them a spot in the 2024 intake.
“Disappointment swept across the nation, not only among those students who have scored 10As, but also their parents and many of those who have trusted the words of the prime minister. His words are still ringing in everyone’s ears about the promise made to the student and yet, reality has turned out otherwise.
“Though the education minister (Fadhlina Sidek) has subsequently reassured that the prime minister’s promise will be carried out, such verbal assurance was not translated into action to resolve the matter.
“Every day’s delay in resolving this matter is an agony on the students and also a trust deficit on the credibility of the government,” Chong wrote in his motion.
He also said the issue should be discussed urgently as it is a matter of public interest, as well as giving these students their rightful places in the matriculation programmes.
On June 30, Anwar said all SPM students who achieved 10As in the examination will have equal opportunities to be placed in matriculation programmes, irrespective of race or locality.
However, he added that opportunities must also be given to children from poor backgrounds, adding that the Bumiputera quota system will also remain.
Anwar also said the automatic spots in matriculation programmes for all students with 10As and more is a move made to “reduce tensions” on a matter which occurred year after year for non-Bumiputera students.
Fadhlina and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir assured that both ministries would coordinate to ensure top performers be offered placements either in matriculation or public universities. – July 9, 2024