Explain how STPM holders not affected by increase in matriculation intake, MCA tells Maszlee

PETALING JAYA: Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik must clarify his statements about how the chances of STPM holders will not be affected, following the increase of matriculation student intake in public universities, says MCA.

MCA National Youth Education Consultative Committee chairman Ng Sing Phing said Dr Maszlee’s clarification must not be delayed, as the increase in matriculation intake will bring about complications in the future.

“We urge the Education Minister to provide a straight answer without further ado, as all education policies have a monumental impact on a nation’s effort in the cultivation and development of human resources,” Ng said in a statement on Tuesday (May 14).

Ng listed out three main questions that the Education Ministry must answer

“Does the Education Ministry plan to build more public universities? If yes, then can these new universities be ready by next year to accommodate the influx of eligible students so that STPM holders will not have their education opportunities robbed? 

“Does the Pakatan Harapan government plan to increase the number of public varsity intakes? If yes, are our public universities ready in terms of available manpower and facilities? If no, then surely the quality and standard of public universities will be compromised.

“Let us say what the Education Minister claims is true - that the chances of STPM holders entering local universities will not be affected under the current condition - then with no increase in public varsity spots, does it mean that the opportunities of the 15,000 new matriculation students will be sacrificed instead?” she asked.

These concerns must be addressed, she added, as the university semester is starting soon.

“We must not leave our students hanging, especially those from impoverished backgrounds,” said Ng.- Star