SELAYANG: Only students who score 10A+ and solid A grades in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), will be given automatic admission into matriculation colleges, Fadhlina Sidek clarifies.
However, the Education Minister said that those with A- grades can still apply to matriculation institutions and are not excluded from being eligible for matriculation programmes.
“We never made any statements that said A- is not an A or that an A− is not excellent. We never said that at all,” she told reporters after an award presentation ceremony for STPM top scorers on Tuesday (June 24).
She also said that 86% of students applying for matriculation took nine subjects, while only 14% took ten subjects.
“We must be fair to the 86% who sat for nine subjects. Only 14% took ten subjects,” she said.
She added that the ministry’s focus on merit remains, especially since matriculation is a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) pathway.
“We give priority to that. But we have never said that students with A− are ineligible to apply for matriculation.
“They can still apply and will go through the normal merit-based process,” she said.
Fadhlina also said that other factors, such as Physical Activity, Sports and Co-Curriculum Assessment (PAJSK), are also considered during selection.
“We want to ensure all students are given opportunities based on merit, set priorities, and the quota system.
“These opportunities must continue to be given to our students according to their merits and capabilities.
“The 86% deserve our focus just as much as the 14% who took ten subjects. We are making sure that all students are given placements based on a fair assessment of their individual circumstances,” she said.
The clarification comes in response to public concern that students with A− were being sidelined in this year’s matriculation intake.
Previously, Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students with 10As and above were guaranteed a place in the matriculation programme, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in June last year.
However, a new circular issued on April 30 now stipulates that only those with 10 straight As, comprising only A+ and A grades, qualify automatically for the 2025/2026 intake.
On May 30, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong criticised the Education Ministry’s revised entry criteria, which no longer recognises A- as equivalent to an A.
Dr Wee said the change marks a major shift from last year’s policy, which considered students with 10As and above for matriculation, following a commitment made by the Prime Minister.
The Ayer Hitam MP said students had prepared based on last year’s criteria, only to find the goalposts had shifted, a move he described as unfair.
He added that MCA has received hundreds of appeals from students and parents who are confused and disheartened by the change.
