Only scorers of 10As or A+ get direct entry to matriculation
However, the Education Minister said those with A- grades can still apply to matriculation institutions and are not excluded from being eligible for matriculation programmes.
'We never made any statements that A- is not an A or that an A- is not excellent. We never said that at all,' she told reporters after an award presentation ceremony for the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia top scorers yesterday.
She also said that 86% of students applying for matriculation programmes took nine subjects, while only 14% took 10 subjects.
'We must be fair to the 86% who sat for nine subjects. Only 14% took 10 subjects,' she said.
She added that the ministry's focus on merit remains, especially since matriculation is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pathway.
'We give priority to that. But we never said that students with A- are ineligible to apply for matriculation.
'They can still apply and will go through the normal merit-based process,' she said.
Fadhlina said other factors, such as Physical Activity, Sports and Co-Curriculum Assessment, are also considered during selection.
'We want to ensure that all students are given opportunities based on merit, set priorities and the quota system. ... We are making sure that all students are given placements based on a fair assessment of their circumstances,' she said.
The clarification comes in response to public concern that students with A- were being sidelined in this year's matriculation intake.
Previously, SPM students with 10As and above were guaranteed a place in the matriculation programme, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in June last year.
However, a new circular issued on April 30 stipulates that only those with 10 straight As, comprising only A+ and A grades, qualify automatically for the 2025/2026 intake.
On May 30, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong criticised the Education Ministry's revised entry criteria, which no longer recognises A- as equivalent to an A.
Dr Wee said the change marks a major shift from last year's policy, which considered students with 10As and above for matriculation, following a commitment made by the Prime Minister.
He added that MCA has received hundreds of appeals from students and parents who are confused and disheartened by the change.
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