No Circular Declaring A- Not Excellent, Says Fadhlina
Minister Fadhlina Sidek dismissed the claims as baseless and stressed that all students with excellent academic achievement are eligible to apply for the programme under the existing merit system.
'We have never issued any circular stating that A- is not equivalent to an A, or that A- is not excellent. We have never said such a thing,' she said.
She was speaking to reporters at the 2024 Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), Malaysian University English Test and Malay Language Proficiency Certificate for Foreign Nationals Outstanding Student Award Ceremony here today.
Fadhlina said this year's matriculation intake process was among the most orderly and smooth, conducted transparently by taking into account various factors, including the number of subjects taken and the stipulated merit points.
She added that programmes focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) continue to prioritise student selection based on academic performance and merit, including through the Physical Activity, Sports and Co-curriculum Assessment (PAJSK) system.
'I hope this explanation clears the air. We have conducted this process fairly to ensure that all students are given opportunities based on priority and the allocated quotas,' she said.
She also said that automatic admission into MOE's matriculation programme is given to students who obtain 10As and above (A+ and A grades).
In another development, Fadhlina said the ministry will establish a Form Six Council by October to strengthen student leadership and serve as a voice for students nationwide.
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