Uni Intake Reform Nik Nazmi Moots Mohe Takeover Of Stpm Matriculation

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PKR lawmaker Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has pushed for STPM and matriculation programmes to be consolidated under the Higher Education Ministry, arguing that such a move would pave the way for a fairer and more transparent university admissions system.
In a statement today, the Setiawangsa MP asserted that the government has discussed the consolidation of both programmes, which are under the purview of the Education Ministry.
“There have been discussions within the government that both (STPM and matriculation) streams should be consolidated under the Higher Education Ministry, which is far better placed to understand the needs of tertiary institutions and their students.
“Placing both streams under the Higher Education Ministry will facilitate the creation of a single system of university admission - one that is transparent, equitable, and accountable,” Nik Nazmi said in a statement today.
He added that while the improving results of Malaysia’s schoolchildren are welcomed, such achievements should be accompanied by fair opportunities allowing students to continue their education and be productive members of society.
“A seeming increase in top scorers in school, without a commensurate, sustainable increase in university places, risks compounding disappointment and eroding faith in our institutions,” added the former natural resources and environmental sustainability minister.
One or the other
Previously, the Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) had urged the government to abolish the matriculation system and use STPM results as the sole benchmark for entry into public universities.
The remark by Umany president Tang Zi Ye on Sept 12 received brickbats from Bersatu and Umno, leading to Umany later apologising for the proposal.
It also stressed that its proposal to implement an “integrated examination system” has no connection to racial issues, but is rooted in the need for a fairer and more transparent university admissions process.
Police, however, have confirmed that the student group is being probed over its call, with Bukit Aman’s Criminal Investigation Department chief M Kumar yesterday noting that investigations are being done under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
‘Clarity, compassion, justice’
Nik Nazmi stressed today that the issue of university admissions must be addressed with “clarity, compassion, and above all, a sense of justice.”
“The disappointment of high-achieving Malaysian students who are unable to secure places in the programmes of their choice - or in some cases, any place at all, in our local universities - is both real and justified.
“Their frustrations should neither be trivialised nor weaponised for political gain, as some parties regrettably attempt to do each admission cycle,” he added.
He highlighted that while authorities have provided several “administratively sound” clarifications on the matter, the fact that such cases recur annually is “symptomatic of a deeper problem”.
“This is not, as some might claim, a zero-sum contest between affirmative action and meritocracy, where one must be abandoned for the other.
“Rather, it is our country’s responsibility to ensure that both coexist, to give the next generation of Malaysians both hope and opportunity,” Nik Nazmi said. - Mkini

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