Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir said that just because the government had opened avenues for students from other schooling streams to enter public universities, it did not mean Putrajaya had compromised on the national education system.
Zambry said this in response to criticism levelled by PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, who claimed the government was diverting public attention from the entry of Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) leavers into public universities by mentioning tahfiz students in its statement yesterday.
In a rebuttal, Zambry (above) stressed that UEC and tahfiz students will still have to sit for the SPM examination to gain entry into public universities.
“SPM remains compulsory even for students from those streams. This is because our UPU (University Admission Unit) assessment is based on SPM results,” Bernama reported him as saying.
“This means they are required to sit for the examination, including passing History and Malay language papers.
“The principle remains the same. From whichever stream, entry into public universities must be based on our SPM system,” he added.
In yesterday’s announcement, the Higher Education Ministry said candidates from schools outside the government system who possess a full SPM certificate may apply for any programme offered through UPUOnline.
The ministry also said candidates from those schools who sit for Malay language and History subjects recognised by the Education Ministry may be considered for certain programmes in public universities.
The courses opened for them are Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language Studies with Honours, Bachelor’s Degree in Chinese Language and Linguistics, Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Studies, and Bachelor’s Degree in Chinese Language with Education.
For candidates from tahfiz schools or institutions, among the identified programmes are Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree in Dakwah; Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree in Al-Quran and As-Sunnah; Bachelor’s Degree in Tahfiz Education; and Bachelor’s Degree in Islamic Studies (Dakwah).
Criticising the move, Fadhli alleged that the ministry was attempting to let UEC leavers into public universities quietly, adding that there was no need to mention tahfiz school leavers, as those students never had issues entering public universities.
Cabinet decision
Taking to Facebook, Wanita Umno exco member Nurulhidayah Ahmad Zahid hit back at those who accused the nationalist party of giving in over the UEC issue.
“Although the minister is from Umno, all decisions on national education policy are collectively decided by the cabinet, which the prime minister chairs,” Nurulhidayah said.
She pointed out that the ministry’s announcement clearly stated that UEC graduates, who are allowed for the four specific Chinese studies-related programmes, must have credits in Bahasa Malaysia and History subjects in SPM.
“In fact, for critical programmes such as medicine, engineering and law, the academic requirements are still strict and dependent on the universities’ senates.
“So, the narrative that UEC graduates can freely enter public universities without conditions is inaccurate and is a political manipulation,” she added.
Working on details
On a related matter, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government is still working out the details of the decision announced by the Higher Education Ministry.
He also expressed confidence that everyone would accept the decision to allow students from both streams to take up select courses, based on the conditions attached.
“We give space by starting with several courses first (in public universities). Previously, they were not agreeable, but since they (UEC leavers) now accept the conditions, we welcome the decision.
“Just that there are still details that need ironing out,” Berita Harian reported him as saying. - Mkini
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