IPOH: Merit and spot availability is what determines a student's course of study at public higher learning institutions, says Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
The Higher Education Minister said students with straight As are given places at these institutions.
However, he said whether students get their first choice of study is not as easily determined.
"There are limited spots in critical fields like medicine, pharmacy and dentistry," he said during a press conference after closing the Perak Barisan Nasional convention here on Sunday (Nov 24).
He added that thousands of applications would have been sent in.
"There are other processes involved, including interviews. Enrolment is based on merit, not according to race," he said.
Earlier during the convention, Perak MIC chairman Tan Sri M. Ramasamy said many high achievers from the Indian community could not gain places in the courses they applied for.
Zambry said the issue affects all communities.
"There are also Malays and those from other communities facing it," he said.
Zambry said the government was committed to ensure children, especially those who are underprivileged, are able to continue their studies at tertiary level.
