MIC says trying to get more Indians into matriculation

KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 — MIC will continue discussing with the Education Ministry on increasing the number of Indian students with Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualification joining the matriculation programme, said party president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel.

Palanivel (picture), who is also minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said if more Indian students could join the matriculation programme, more of them would be able to further their studies at the public higher learning institutions.

He said some 3,000 Indian students had applied for the 2012-2013 matriculation programme but only 1,500 were accepted.

“So far, 750 Indian students with SPM have been offered matriculation programmes at government colleges and the rest of the vacancies will be filled within this month.

“Those who fail to get matriculation places are advised to appeal or encouraged to study for the STPM or opt for courses at the polytechnics,” he said after attending the consecration prayers for the Royal Malaysian Air Force Sivan temple in Sungai Besi, here, today.

After the ceremony, Palanivel handed a cheque for RM50,000 to the temple committee chairman, Major (Rtd) S. Sritharan.

The contribution to the 50-year-old temple came from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. — Bernama