Education Ministry urged to reverse SPM A- grade reclassification for matriculation entry

Borneo Post

11 hours ago

Ching Yong (seated right), Chya Wei (seated second right), Yiing (standing right) and others posing for a photo session. – Photo by Peter Boon
SIBU (June 8): The Ministry of Education (MoE) has been urged to immediately retract its directive and retain the original standard for A grades in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) for entry into the Matriculation Programme.
In making this call, Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) assistant information and publicity secretary Wong Ching Yong stressed that MoE should continue classifying A- as part of the A grade category.
'Changing the grading standard only after the exam results have been released would unfairly exclude numerous students who originally met the criteria, possibly inviting international ridicule and harming Malaysia's reputation,' he said during a press conference here today.
According to Wong, under the original standard, students who scored 10As in the SPM, whether A, A+, or A-, were all considered as having achieved A grades, making them eligible for the Matriculation Programme, as announced by the Prime Minister last year.
However, the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong revealed that the MoE issued an internal directive on April 30 stating that A- will no longer be classified as an A grade.
Wong, who is also SUPP Dudong Branch chairman, said this change has disqualified many students from gaining admission to public universities.
He argued that had the new standard been announced before last year's SPM exam, it might have been acceptable.
'However, implementing the change only after the results were released is completely inappropriate.'
Wong gave an analogy, saying it is like the Badminton World Federation holding a tournament with the official rule that the first to 21 points wins, but once a player reaches 21, the referee suddenly changes the rule to 30 points.
'Who can accept such last-minute rule changes? After Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong raised concerns, high-ranking Democratic Action Party (DAP) ministers not only failed to speak up for affected students but instead attacked him. Does the DAP support this flip-flopping of policies?
'It is even more absurd that DAP leaders accused whistleblowers of politicising the A- issue. In the public's eyes, DAP is politicising the issue by attacking their political opponents instead of correcting the policy.'
Wong also questioned: 'If it had been students or parents who exposed the issue out of concern for their children's educational future, would DAP leaders, including its secretary-general Anthony Loke, also label them as 'politicising' the matter?
'Before coming to power, the DAP proudly claimed to stand with the people. Now, where is that spirit? The A- issue affects students' futures and should not be taken lightly. How can DAP ministers remain indifferent?'
He also called on the five DAP ministers to explain whether this policy was discussed in the Cabinet meeting, and whether they supported or opposed it.
'DAP also has Wong Kah Woh as Deputy Minister of Education, yet once again, he seems to be unaware of the decision.'
Wong further called on Lanang MP Alice Lau to take a stand on the A- grading issue.
Wong said, even as Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Lau should not only focus on parliamentary duties while ignoring the issues faced by local constituents, especially when it concerns the future of the youth.
He further reminded Lau not to spend too much time eating 'Mee Sua', as local livelihood issues and problems faced by students are certainly far more important than sharing the noodles she ate.
Wong also took a swipe on Oscar Ling, another DAP MP in Sibu, urging him to focus more on key issues affecting people's lives.
He pointed out that if both continue to remain silent on important matters, they shouldn't be surprised if the DAP ends up being labelled the 'silent party'.
'I believe there are also students in Sarawak affected by this reclassification of A-, which has disqualified them from entering the Matriculation Programme as planned. Even if not this year, it could happen in future years.'
'If such policy flip-flops are not properly addressed, they may recur in other public exams or university admission evaluations.'
For the record, it was recently reported that Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek was quoted to have said that classification of A and A- in SPM grades as below excellent, a decision that has drawn criticism.
Wong also criticised DAP ministers, particularly Kah Woh for failing to provide a satisfactory explanation to the Chinese community nationwide over the Education Ministry's abrupt decision to revise the Form 6 Chinese syllabus, removing Chinese literary history.
'We solemnly urge the Education Minister and Deputy Minister not to treat students as test subjects. When there is public concern over a new policy, they should listen and engage in meaningful dialogue, rather than dismiss public opinion and act unilaterally.'
He reiterated that instead of going to great lengths to defend decisions detrimental to students' futures, DAP ministers and MPs should focus on fulfilling Pakatan Harapan's long-standing promise to recognise the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).
'Public outrage over the Teoh Beng Hock case contributed to DAP's rise in voter support. Yet under the Pakatan Harapan-led government, the case was classified as requiring 'no further action.'
'I hope DAP leaders will experience a sudden awakening of conscience, lest the UEC recognition issue suffer the same fate.'
Also in attendance during the press conference were SUPP Dudong vice-chairman Dr Wong Chya Wei and youth chief Councillor Yiing Sy Huat. education ministry grades lead Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia Wong Ching Yong