PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry's sudden change in matriculation entry qualifications - where those who scored A- in their SPM examinations are not considered as attaining an A, and only A+ and A are accepted - is unfair, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
"The question is why make this ad-hoc change in government policy, which, if true, will disappoint many Malaysians,” said the MCA president in a Facebook video on Friday (May 30).
"On April 30th the Education Ministry released a circular which was confirmed by Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh on Facebook that only students with 10A with score of A+ and A (without A-) in all subjects will be given the automatic offer to enrol into matriculation program for the session of 2025/2026," said Dr Wee.
He stated that this represented a significant shift from the government's policy since 2024, in which students with 10A in SPM would be allocated a place in matriculation, as recently announced by the Prime Minister.
"However, the matriculation division of the ministry said only 10A+ and A will be automatically given places, which is strange.
"My question is, are these changes only for automatic entry to the matriculation?
"Last year 5A+, 2A and 3A- is considered 10A. This year, 5A+, 2A and 3A- is considered 7A.
"What is this?” asked Dr Wee.
He said with these changes, the ministry has let down many students and the public, including outstanding Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Orang Asli students from Sabah and Sarawak.
"Now A- is not considered an A anymore. Why move the goalpost?
"In Education Ministry standards, A+ is defined as exceptional, A as par excellence and A- as excellent. So, is an excellent grade (A-) no longer excellent?” said Dr Wee.
He said that regarding all As as excellent was common sense, and was something which is practised worldwide.
He asked what the policy would be next year, specifically regarding the Public Services Department scholarship.
"Avoid making arbitrary decisions and changing the goalposts when people rely on the promised policy," Dr Wee stated.
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