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Borneo Post
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Policy on matriculation entry draws flak for excluding A- students
Bong says under the said implementation, only candidates with straight-A's and A+ grades would receive automatic admission, while those with A- results must undergo a merit-based selection process. KUCHING (June 29): The Ministry of Education (MoE)'s implementation of the automatic matriculation admission policy has drawn criticism from the Youth section of the Kuching branch of Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP). Under the said implementation, only candidates with straight-A's and A+ grades would receive automatic admission, while those with A- results must undergo a merit-based selection process. According to SUPP Youth Kuching branch's deputy secretary Alan Bong, this deviates from the assurance given by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last year. 'The Prime Minister promised that 'students with 10As regardless of race would be guaranteed entry'. 'There was no clarification that A- grades would be excluded from that definition. 'Hence, the MoE's current implementation, which limits automatic offers to candidates with only A and A+ grades, effectively narrows the original promise,' said Bong in a statement yesterday. He further claimed that the inconsistency between policy intent and execution had resulted in at least 214 students — who achieved 10As, including A- grades — being rejected, raising concerns about fairness and transparency in policy implementation. Bong also noted that under the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) grading system, A-, A, and A+ grades are commonly recognised as top-tier results. In this respect, he said it was understandable that people would interpret 10As to encompass all three variants. 'However, the present policy introduces an unexpected threshold that distinguishes between students based on marginal grade differences. 'For instance, a student scoring 9As and 1A+ qualifies for automatic admission, while another with 9As and 1A- is subject to additional filtering.' Bong then said this had created a disparity within the same achievement category, undermining the value of a full-A performance and weakening the policy's ability to reward academic excellence fairly and effectively. 'Since the MoE has clarified that no official statement was ever issued to redefine A- as a non-A grade, the policy execution ought to better reflect consistency, clarity, and the spirit of the Prime Minister's announcement,' he stressed. 'If 10As are meant to recognise comprehensive academic excellence, then A- should not be arbitrarily excluded. 'After all, achieving 10As, including the A- grade, is never an easy feat and such academic excellence ought to be fairly recognised and rewarded. 'The introduction of informal, technical exclusions risks sending mixed signals to students and eroding trust in institutional fairness,' he added. Bong thus called for the distribution of educational opportunities be grounded in academic merit above all else. He cited Sarawak's ongoing efforts in this area, such as the removal of ethnic quotas in university admissions, provision of performance-based financial aid, and the planned rollout of universal free tertiary education next year, as examples of a more consistent, outcome-focused model. 'Such a system, anchored in clear academic standards, helps to minimise structural inequalities and preserve the integrity of student achievement. 'As Malaysia looks ahead, I believe that the federal government should consider emulating the policies pursued in Sarawak. 'A fairer, more transparent selection framework will not only strengthen national competitiveness, but also ensure our brightest students are retained and recognised,' said Bong.
The Sun
20 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Dr Wan Azizah urges expansion of K2K Programme for PPR communities
KUALA LUMPUR: The Kita-Untuk-Kita (K2K) Programme, a community empowerment initiative launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in April 2023, has been hailed as a transformative force for public housing residents. Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, wife of the Prime Minister, called for continued support and expansion of the programme to benefit more communities. Speaking at a ceremony celebrating the academic achievements of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students from PPR Taman Mulia, Dr Wan Azizah emphasised the programme's four key components: community empowerment, co-management of public housing, economic enhancement, and policy reform. 'Through this strategy, over 50,000 residents in the Klang Valley are part of a wave of transformation, making their communities more resilient and sustainable,' she said. The event was also attended by political secretary to the Prime Minister, Datuk Azman Abidin, and K2K Programme director Dr Shahridan Faiez. Under the K2K Community Grant Programme, PPR Taman Mulia implemented the Free SPM Tuition Project, directly benefiting more than 40 students. The project received RM17,052 in funding managed by Think City, enabling 48 classes for core subjects and providing learning facilities such as tables, chairs, printers, and projectors. Dr Wan Azizah highlighted that the K2K Community Grant supports 10 public housing areas in the Klang Valley, funding 39 community projects worth over RM1 million. These initiatives span education, health, safety, cleanliness, culture, and sports, significantly improving residents' quality of life. The Free SPM Tuition Project yielded impressive results, with five students scoring 8As and three achieving 5As. At the ceremony, top-performing students received awards, while educators and community mobilisers were also recognised for their contributions.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Top students assured of matriculation seats
JOHOR BAHRU: DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming has praised the government's decision to guarantee matriculation placements for all students who achieved 10As and above in the 2024 SPM examination. Nga, who is also Housing and Local Government minister, said the decision reflects the Madani government's commitment towards meritocracy, equal opportunity, appreciating local talents and effort to empower young Malaysians in pursuing quality education. The Education Ministry, in a statement yesterday, said the matter was agreed upon at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday and it follows the announcement made last year by the prime minister. It said students who scored 10As or more in last year's SPM and have submitted for places in the matriculation programme will be offered admission, regardless of race or background. This includes students who scored A-. 'This will ensure all top-performing students in the 2024 SPM have the opportunity to further their studies,' it said in a statement. The ministry also verified that the existing Bumiputera quota system for the matriculation programme will not be affected by the decision. Nga said the inclusive policy, which applies regardless of race or background, recognises the outstanding efforts of Malaysia's top-performing students. 'The government is sending a clear message that academic excellence will be rewarded fairly and consistently and every Malaysian is being appreciated,' he said, adding that the decision is in line with the commitment made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last year and strengthens public confidence in the national education system. 'DAP remains committed to promoting policies that celebrate academic achievement while also advancing social equity. 'We believe that education is the greatest empowerment and tool towards building a fairer, more progressive and educated nation,' he said at the launch of National Landscape Day 2025 yesterday. A total of 14,179 students who sat for the SPM examination last year obtained straight As – the highest number in 11 years. This is following the government's decision to make Bahasa Malaysia and History subjects mandatory for passing. The 14,179 straight-A students represent an increase from the 11,713 recorded in the 2023 SPM results.
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Much welcomed U-turn for students
PETALING JAYA: Students who sat for the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) are relieved that the A- grade has again been accepted as an entry requirement for the matriculation programme. For Leong Yung Jun, 18, from Pahang, who scored 2 A+, 1 A- and 7As, it is the news that he had been eagerly waiting for. 'On June 25, I heard that A- will also be considered as an A for entry into the matriculation programme. 'After all the frustration and disappointment, it felt that a second chance finally showed up. Hopefully, I'll be able to secure a spot in the programme that I've been working so hard for,' he said. Nadeen Amani Afizul, 18, from Kota Damansara also welcomed the Education Ministry's decision. She said the earlier straight A+ requirement was unfair to those seeking quality and affordable education. 'I think it is fine if the Education Ministry wants to filter the best students but leaving out those who obtained all As is rather odd. 'Students opt for matriculation because it has the reputation to be a good start for university courses. So I think it is unfair to those who couldn't achieve straight A+,' she said. However, due to the earlier restriction, Nadeen, who obtained 9As consisting of A+ and A- in SPM, had opted to apply for a YTP Mara scholarship. Alternatively, she is looking to enrol into Kolej Yayasan UEM or International Islamic University of Malaysia. For Amanda Khan Nazim Khan, 18, allowing entry for students who scored A- will enable those who turned down the matriculation programme to give their spot to others. The teenager from Kuala Lumpur, who scored 9A+ for SPM, turned down the offer and intends to further her studies via the Unit Pusat Universiti (UPU) system or Satu. (UPU is a centralised government admission platform used by Malaysia's public universities, while Satu is an alternative pathway for students to apply directly to Universiti Malaya.) On May 30, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong criticised the ministry's revised entry criteria for no longer recognising A- as equivalent to an A. The Ayer Hitam MP said students had prepared based on last year's criteria only to find the goalposts had been shifted, a move he described as unfair. He added that MCA has received hundreds of appeals from students and parents who were confused and disheartened by the change. Last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said all students who scored 10As, regardless of race, would be accepted. However, a circular issued on April 30 stipulated that only those with 10 straight As, comprising only A+ and A grades, qualify automatically. Meanwhile, National Union of the Teaching Profession secretary-general Fouzi Singon said it should not matter whether students obtained A+ or A- to pursue the matriculation programme. 'Most importantly, whether there are enough placements for students. If they have the capacity, even those who obtained Bs should be allowed entry. 'To me the U-turn on the A- has to do with timing, capability and availability of the ministry in offering the course. This is because not everyone wants to pursue matriculation as some prefer the foundation course or Form 6 or go overseas,' he said. On Wednesday, the Education Ministry said all students who achieved 10As and above in SPM will be granted a place in the matriculation programme, including those who got A- in some subjects. This follows a Cabinet decision that all students with 10As and above, including A-, would be given a place if they apply for matriculation, regardless of race and background. The announcement comes a day after Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek confirmed that only students who score 10A+ and solid A grades in their SPM would get automatic admission into the matriculation programme.
The Star
2 days ago
- General
- The Star
Keeping linguistic, spiritual heritage of Sikhs alive
Punjabi education in Malaysia has gone through a remarkable transformation in just three decades. Bringing back Punjabi language from the brink of fading away in the mid-1990s is a programme that boasts its own locally developed textbooks from kindergarten right up to Form Five. Spearheaded by Khalsa Diwan Malaysia (KDM), its president Jaginder Singh Raipatti said the impact of this initiative's success could be seen in the students' academic performance. 'This year, 66 students are slated to sit for the SPM Punjabi paper, a record number. 'Pass rates consistently exceed 90%, with between 60% and 70% of students scoring A+, A and A- grades,' he said. Part of the Khalsa Diwan Malaysia office building with a centennial commemorative stone, which recognisesKDM as the first national Sikh society registered in the country. Classes for the Punjabi education programme are held on the premises every Saturday. — Photos: RONNIE CHIN/The Star In May, this Punjabi education programme marked its 25th anniversary. To ensure its continued success, Jaginder said an inspection and coaching system had been implemented, including mentoring teachers and guiding Punjabi Education Centres (PECs) on ways to improve academic delivery and student outcomes. 'The teaching force, mostly comprising highly qualified women from Punjab in India who married Malaysians, has been instrumental in the programme's success. 'About 90% of classes are now held in gurdwaras, many of which are designed with dedicated Punjabi education floors,' he said. Road to revival By the late 1990s, Jaginder said Punjabi language education in the country was in crisis. He said with the temporary removal of the Punjabi paper from the then Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) from 1993 to 1995 and shrinking number of students sitting for the Punjabi paper in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) around the same time, it became clear that the language was at risk of fading away. An undated image of teachers at Guru Nanak Institution, which was once a private school in Ipoh. — Courtesy photo He added that KDM called a meeting with Sikh non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and gurdwara management committees across the country in 2000. The groups agreed to give KDM the mandate to revive Punjabi education under a unified umbrella. As such, Jaginder said the Punjabi education programme was born in 2001. And now, 36 PECs currently operate in 11 states, along with about 200 teachers and 1,800 students. He noted that the PECs initially struggled with a lack of trained teachers, textbooks, funding and even venues. But support from Singaporean Sikh counterparts, he said, helped lay the groundwork in terms of textbooks. 'Today, the locally developed textbooks are reviewed every few years and the curriculum is further enriched with the inclusion of Sikh religious studies.' Jaginder explained that until 2009, education funding relied entirely on community support. Vaisakhi High-Tea event at Guru Nanak Institution hall. — Courtesy photo Nevertheless, he said a turning point came with a RM2mil federal grant, followed by more government funding, especially through the Social Economic Development of the Indian Community (Sedic) and Malay-sian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) from 2016 to 2019. 'However, between 2020 and 2024, KDM did not receive any federal funding. 'Recently, a RM265,000 grant from the Prime Minister's Office and support from several state governments have given us renewed hope. 'Additionally, the Sikh community is becoming more self-reliant, with centres now generating income through well-wishers and student fees.' Jaginder said a milestone in the PEC journey was the integration of Punjabi language into national school assessments. It is listed as a subject under the Academic Session Final Test (UASA) for Form One to Form Three and KDM plays a role in preparing, distributing and marking these exam papers. He said KDM was now preparing to roll out standardised e-lessons by next year, which would ease teachers' weekly workloads and enhance resource sharing across centres. Jaginder showing a map where Punjabi Education Centres are located in the country. Cultural resurgence Jaginder observed that there had been renewed interest in cultural engagement as well in recent years. 'Youth participation in religious activities such as kirtan (devotional hymns), tabla playing and prayers has surged, creating a new generation of Sikhs who are deeply connected to their linguistic and spiritual roots. 'With the Punjabi language 'alive again', we are now focusing on sustaining it for future generations,' he elaborated. KDM, he said, also worked closely with other Sikh NGOs, notably the Malaysian Gurdwaras Council, Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia and Gurbani Naad, which organise competitions, quizzes, public speaking events and Sikh spiritual camps. Jaginder said to preserve and promote traditional Punjabi music, KDM provided space at its premises for weekly stringed instrument classes such as dilruba (bowed musical instrument), expanding beyond the classical tabla and harmonium. He said KDM provided monthly financial aid to about a dozen recipients until 2023, but to reduce overlap with other NGOs, the organisation shifted its focus the following year to a case-by-case basis, focusing on urgent and verified needs. 'KDM is also actively involved in state cultural events, whereby in 2024, the organisation co-hosted the Perak Vaisakhi Open House with Guru Kalgidhar Diwan. 'It is frequently consulted by the Education Ministry, particularly on the accuracy of materials related to the Punjabi community,' he added. Jaginder said KDM also defended the rights of Sikh school students, from wearing the kara (steel bangle) to sitting for the SPM Punjabi language paper. He said some schools had attempted to block students from taking Punjabi as an SPM subject. 'KDM intervenes with letters of undertaking and support, ensuring students can sit for their exams. 'In 2015, the Education Ministry issued a circular confirming that Sikh students are allowed to wear the kara and keep unshorn hair,' he added. Jaginder said the Indian High Commission had also been a strong supporter of KDM's efforts, often inviting the NGO to represent the Punjabi community at national events. In 2024, he said KDM was among the organisations invited to present in the very first 'Samagam: Confluence of Indian Language Series', which showcased the survival and growth of Indian diaspora languages in Malaysia. He said to future-proof the Punjabi education ecosystem, KDM was collaborating with Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) to offer Punjabi as a minor subject in degree and diploma programmes, tentatively from 2026. The initiative, he explained, fell under UPSI's Ethnic Languages Programme, where KDM had pledged to offer scholarships annually to students enrolling in these programmes. 'The aim is to build a new generation of local Punjabi teachers, as the current pool of educators, largely recruited from India, are ageing. 'With KDM having successfully led the revival of Punjabi education in Malaysia, it is now focused on sustaining and advancing its mission,' he added. Sikh NGO Established in 1903 in Taiping, Perak, KDM initially focused on the religious and welfare needs of early Sikh migrants. One of the oldest Sikh organisations in the country, it moved operations in 1950 to Ipoh. Its site in Jalan Tun Abdul Razak remains the current location of KDM's operations. Jaginder said the organisation played a pivotal role in uniting and uplifting the Sikh community through religious, social and cultural initiatives. He said it established a fund as early as 1905 to promote Gurmat (tenets) teachings, leading to the establishment of gurdwaras in Penang and Perak. From 1903 to 1937, the organisation held nationwide annual events which combined spiritual, religious and sports activities. The organisation also extended care to hospital patients and prisoners, especially by providing vegetarian food. 'KDM recognised a growing need for formal education among Punjabi children and responded by establishing its educational wing in 1950, known as the Guru Nanak Institution (GNI) at the premises, where classes commenced in 1951. 'Over time, GNI expanded its role, and became a fully licensed private school. 'However, with changing government policies and the easing of public school entry requirements, GNI − like many other private schools − saw a decline in enrolment and ceased operations in the late 1980s.' After that, Jaginder said parts of the NGO's buildings were rented out to various educational institutions over the years. 'Currently, the facilities are occupied by TAJ International College. 'GNI, however, remains as a Punjabi language education school. Classes are held on Saturdays. 'It is the biggest PEC among 36 centres, with a student enrolment of almost 200,' he added.
