Matriculation places granted for all with 10As, including A-
PETALING JAYA: All students who achieved 10As and above in the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination will be granted a place in the matriculation programme, including those who got A- in some subjects.
In a statement yesterday, the ministry said the Cabinet had agreed that all students with 10As and above, including A-, would be given a place if they apply for the matriculation programme.
This will be done regardless of race and background.
'This policy aligns with the announcement made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last year.
'This decision is made to ensure that all outstanding students with 10As in SPM 2024 have the opportunity to further their education. At the same time, the existing Bumiputera quota system for the matriculation programme remains intact and unaffected,' the ministry said.
It added that the Madani government will continue to enhance access to education for the benefit of all students, who are the future assets of the nation.
The announcement comes a day after Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek confirmed that only students who score 10A+ and solid A grades in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia would get automatic admission into matriculation colleges.
Anwar had said last year that 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.
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 are confused and disheartened by the change.
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