KUALA LUMPUR: All remaining SPM holders who scored 10As but have yet to be accepted into their choice of matriculation programmes will be offered a slot by August, says Fadhlina Sidek.
The Education Minister said that of the 4,877 10A students who applied for 2024/25 matriculation programmes, 793 had yet to be accepted.
The figure comprises 712 non-bumiputra students and 81 bumiputra students, she said, adding that the offer process will be carried out in phases.
“We already have the full list of students and they will be part of the third intake period which we plan to finalise by the third week of August,” she told The Star after a Special Chambers debate in Parliament on Thursday (July 11).
Fadhlina also said students with exceptional but not perfect SPM results will also be considered to join the matriculation programmes regardless of race.
“As long as they scored 10As regardless of whether it's A-, A+ or A, they will all be eligible to apply for matriculation.
“The focus now will be on these 10A students who have applied,”she added.
She said many slots were still available for students with exceptional results.
“Even those who scored 10As with one B or C will be considered along with those who took fewer subjects but scored straight As.
“We expect a number of the high-scoring students to opt for other public institutions of higher learning through the University Central Unit (UPU),” she said.
At a press conference later, Chong Chien Jen (PH-Stampin) praised Fadhlina for her commitment to resolving the issue.
“This is a good effort by the Madani administration and assures students with 10As and above that what the Prime Minister promised will be fulfilled.
“To those affected, don’t worry.
"The minister gave her assurance in the Special Chambers with everything written in the Hansard,” said Chong, a member of the Special Select Committee on Nation Building, Education and Human Resources Development.
On June 30, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that all students who obtained 10As and above in the SPM exam would be guaranteed a place in any matriculation programme regardless of race or region, starting this year.
