Nearly 150 top students not given courses they chose

149 students who scored all As (cumulative grade point average 4.0) in the Sijil Tinggi Pendidikan Malaysia (STPM) and matriculation last year, were not offered a spot in the courses they applied for at public universities.

According to the MCA, 18 were not offered a place at all.

They were among the 368 STPM, matriculation and diploma students who had brought their cases to the MCA, and whose plight is now in the hands of Education Minister Muhyiddin Yassin (left).

In a statement today, MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek said that MCA was informed in their meeting with Muhyiddin on July 29, that the relevant agencies will contact the students on the matter in two weeks.

"MCA sincerely hopes that the government will take measures to ensure a more transparent system for intakes into public universities to prove that the BN government is serious on promoting meritocracy and plugging the brain drain by grooming our own talent in the country," he said.

Chua said in the meeting with Muhyiddin, MCA had proposed the following solution:

• That places in public universities, especially for medicine, pharmacy and dentistry, are increased to allow placement for those who scored CGPA 4.0; or
• If this is not possible, to provide scholarships for them to pursue their desired courses in private universities;
• That places be offered to all students who scored CGPA 3.0 and above; and
• That a uniformed marking system be implemented for co-curricular activities for both STPM and matriculation students.

He added that the MCA is also willing to participate if the government sets up a special committee to improve the public university intake system.

Annual problem

Public university intake is a recurring issue, with many top scorers finding that they are unable to secure a spot to pursue their favoured courses.

DAP had earlier mooted a solution whereby all straight-A students are given automatic admission to his or her chosen course.

It also suggested that full scholarships be provided to the top five percent of students who qualify for tertiary education, be it through STPM or matriculation, regardless of background.