By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 28: The federal government should raise the number of non-Muslim students admitted into matriculation programmes to 4,000 in next year’s intake and gradually abolish the racial quota system, Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Stampin chief Soo Tien Ren asserted today.
He urged the unity government to demonstrate stronger accountability and the political courage to implement inclusive policies that reflect the country’s multiracial fabric and ensure fairness and equity in the matriculation programme.
He also called the government to consider the eligibility for students who scored 9As, noting that “scoring one subject less should not disqualify students of high academic standing.”
“The racial quota system for matriculation should be gradually abolished. Instead, admission should prioritise students from the B40 (bottom 40 per cent income) group, in line with a more needs-based, race-blind approach to support those truly in need,” he said in a statement.
Soo made the call in light of the recent controversy surrounding the automatic admission policy for students who scored 10As in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams, which he said was poorly executed by the Ministry of Education (MOE) despite having had a year to prepare.
“This policy was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last year, guaranteeing automatic matriculation admission to students who score 10As. There should have been no confusion this year, yet we were met with public uproar over whether A- is counted as an A,” he said in a statement.
He stressed that the definition of 10As must include A- grades, and that such students should be admitted automatically without needing to apply through the standard process.
“The circular issued by MOE earlier this year caused unnecessary shock and anxiety among students and families. It is unacceptable and reflects a failure to manage expectations and communicate clearly,” he added.
Soo welcomed the government’s recent decision to revise the policy and include A- students under the automatic admission rule, calling it a step in the right direction that shows the government’s willingness to listen and rectify its mistakes.
He further called on Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to take a more active role in federal matters affecting Sarawakians.
“GPS is part of the unity government too. I hope they will work together with Pakatan Harapan (PH) on this issue and not just remain on the sidelines,” he added. — DayakDaily
