Education expert backs government's meritocratic matriculation offer

SHAH ALAM - An education expert has supported the government's decision to offer matriculation opportunities to all Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) graduates who score 10A's and above, regardless of race, as these students are considered assets to the nation.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Education and Community Wellbeing Research Center Chairman Associate Professor Dr Hasnah Toran said that intelligent students are the ones who will develop the country in the future.

"If possible, we want all young generations to be ready to contribute to the country in their respective capacities. However, when there are those who excel, they have the potential to become leaders and the drivers of nation's progress.

"The government has also assured that the Bumiputera student quota will not be affected, so the public need not worry about this reform," she said when contacted by Sinar Harian.

She said this when asked to comment on the government guaranteeing that all SPM graduates who score 10A's and above, regardless of race or region, will be offered matriculation opportunities starting this year.

Hasnah stated that the Malay community need not worry about quotas because there are still many other opportunities for Malay students, such as through Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).

"I believe when people feel that the opportunity to continue studying is limited and must be competed for, that's when racial issues arise.

"On the other hand, if the Education Ministry (MOE) and the Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) can show their efforts to 'expand the pie,' then the community will feel that there is no need to compete. Stay calm, opportunities will still be there; just ensure that the children meet the set standards," she explained.

Hasnah also expressed relief when the Prime Minister stated that the MOE and MOHE will collaborate to detail the methods and implementation of the matter.

This is because if the selection of eligible students for matriculation depends solely on the Central University Unit (UPU) system, there is a concern that excellent students might be overlooked.

"Additionally, I hope the MOHE will also focus on students with disabilities (OKU) who achieve excellent SPM results.

"This group needs more attention because the challenges faced by OKU students to reach the same level as typical students are very significant.

"If we look at the United Kingdom (UK), there is a higher education act where the right of OKU students to access higher education is guaranteed. Therefore, this matter should also be considered," she said.