Policy shift puts tremendous stress on students

The Star

4 days ago

BUKIT MERTAJAM: At a secon­dary school in Bukit Mertajam, the phones have been ringing off the hook ever since the new req­ui­rement for matriculation entry was announced.
The school's Parent-Teacher Asso­ciation (PTA) chairman, who wished to remain anonymous, said around 15 students had scored 10As, but many included A-.
'Frantic parents have been calling to ask if we can help after their children's applications were rejected. We can only explain that it's a government ruling and there's very little we can do.
'It's not fair. The new guidelines caught many off guard, and that's what we've been telling con­cerned parents,' he said.
SMK St Mark Butterworth PTA chairman C. Mugilan urged the government to show more leniency, noting that many hardworking students who achieved 10As may now miss out on matriculation opportunities.
Meanwhile, parent R. Muru­ge­son, whose daughter will sit for her SPM this year, said the policy shift is putting immense pressure on families, particularly those from middle income groups who rely on matriculation as a pathway to higher education.
ALSO READ: Students rattled by A- issue
'What's going to happen next year? Maybe only a few dozen will get in if the criteria keep getting stricter,' he said.
On Friday, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong posted a video on Facebook criticising the Education Ministry's revised entry criteria, which no longer recogni­ses A- as equivalent to an A.
Under the new policy, only students with 10 straight A+ and A grades will be automatically off­e­red matriculation places for the 2025/2026 session.
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 the new rule was confirmed by Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh via an official circular issued on April 30.
Krish Ritesh Ramani, 17, from Kampung Lapan, Melaka, exp­res­s­ed his gratitude to Dr Wee and other leaders for highlighting the challenges faced by high-achie­ving students in securing places in public education programmes.
He said the intervention was timely, as scoring straight As in SPM no longer guarantees admission into the matriculation programme.
'I sat for the SPM last year and achieved 7As and one A-. I was deeply disappointed when all my applications were rejected,' he said in an interview yesterday.
Krish shared that his only remaining option is to continue with Form Six, as his single A- disqualifies him under the current criteria.
'I worked extremely hard to earn those As because I didn't want to go through Form Six. Now I have no choice but to accept it,' he added.
His father also explored private higher education options but the fees proved unaffordable.
'My dream of fast-tracking into a public university has been dashed. Some of my friends who scored 10As, including A-, are facing the same situation,' he added.
Meanwhile, Form Five student Muhamed Ikram Shah Mohamed Jefri, 17, from Jenjarom, voiced concern over the mounting pressure students now face.
'The goal of obtaining straight A+ just to enter matriculation is going to be a long and hard journey,' said the SMK Bandar Sau­ja­na Putra student.
'They shouldn't impose perfection as it causes students unnecessary stress. I understand the need for high standards, but students who score A or A- are also high achievers. I hope the ministry reconsiders.'