(Test - VG) ‘Reckless idea’: Bersatu leader condemns Umany’s call to abolish matriculation

Bersatu students’ bureau criticised Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) calls to abolish the matriculation programme and establish STPM results as the sole benchmark for entry into public universities.

Its chief Ameer Hazeem Zaky said it was a “reckless idea”, suggested without conducting a prior investigation.

He also said it was unfair to deem STPM as superior to matriculation, adding that the centralised public university admissions system (UPU) admissions system has applied a meritocracy system since 200.

“Their premise that a quota system is still being used for university admissions is an argument that is no longer valid, as the current system has been based on meritocracy since 2002.

“Umany should be aware of this, especially since the individual who issued the media statement is himself a graduate from Penang Matriculation College,” Ameer said in a statement today.

In justifying his calls yesterday, Umany president Tang Yi Ze said STPM’s syllabus is proven to be better as it is more challenging and recognised in the international arena.

Tang said Umany had also approached the Higher Education Ministry on the injustice that exists within UPU.

The proposal has been met by widespread criticism, including from the Universiti Malaya vice-chancellor, Noor Azuan Abu Osman, who distanced the institution from the group and called for more responsibility when exercising freedom of speech.

Don't politicise matter

While acknowledging the plight of Edward Wong, an STPM student who failed to gain entry into UM despite obtaining a 4.0 CGPA, Ameer said the matter should not be politicised with superficial recommendations.

“It should be viewed from an objective standpoint, where meritocracy plays a crucial role in student admission by taking into account both academic achievements and extracurricular involvement comprehensively.

“We hope that Umany or anyone else should not polemicise the issue of public universities with such superficial recommendations.

“Instead, they should engage in more critical and mature discussions on how the meritocracy system can be improved,” he added.

Ameer also said that he would be eager to participate in relevant discussions and debates with relevant parties to uplift the future of Malaysian students in the country.

On Sept 8, Wong’s plight received widespread attention after he mentioned that six universities had rejected his applications.

He told reporters that he had hoped to pursue his accounting degree at UM, the same university from which his sister had recently graduated.

“The reality is disappointing. Some doubt my abilities, some don’t believe in me, and some say they can’t help.

“How excellent do we need to be to choose (the course of study we desire)?” he asked, adding that he would continue to appeal.

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