KUALA LUMPUR – All Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students who achieve 10As in the examination will have equal opportunities to be placed in matriculation programmes, irrespective of race or locality, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
However, Anwar also stressed that opportunities must also be given to children from poor backgrounds, adding that the Bumiputera quota system will also remain.
“All those who achieve 10As in their (SPM) examination, without exception to race or locality, will be given a guarantee for a place in matriculation (programmes),” he said while closing the National Training Week 2024 (NTW) programme at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium today.
“While we guarantee all 10A achievers be given an opportunity, we will continue to defend the Bumiputera quota policy to ensure that no one is left behind, especially those from the urban and rural poor.”
Anwar said specifics of this decision, which was approved by the cabinet on Friday, will be shared by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek tomorrow.
Elaborating on retaining the quota system, Anwar said that sectors such as the government, private industry, and academia must realise that a lot of work is needed to guarantee equal chances for poorer children.
However, he said he did not want to drag the matter into a racial issue, urging people against disputing the decision as it would neither benefit anyone nor resolve any issues.
Anwar said people must not challenge principles of unity and the Federal Constitution — citing Article 153, which refers to the reservation of quotas for Malays and natives — as it would only create problems.
“I hope this (decision) solves a problem for the time being, with hopes that the spirit of multiracial unity can be nurtured without incitement or enmity.
“The solution is not by planting hatred and hostility, but by the spirit of courtesy and love, as well as unity and humanity in the nation,” he told the youth present at the programme today.
Last year, Anwar also had to explain his stance on meritocracy and abolishing the quota system in education, after being asked by a matriculation student.
He said the concept of meritocracy without fairness is flawed, as students from poorer backgrounds are often disadvantaged and do not have the means to compete with those who are privileged.
Meanwhile, Anwar also advised the youth to change their mindset and work hard to improve themselves, to ensure their success and the nation’s improvement.
Also present during the event were Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad, and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
The NTW is a free public event planned by the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) to promote skill development and career advancement.
The event, which has grown in scale and impact over the years, is being held from June 24 to 30 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, attracting thousands of attendees.
This annual event includes workshops, seminars, and training sessions led by industry experts in fields such as technology, healthcare, finance, and art. – June 30, 2024