PETALING JAYA: The aspirations of a high achiever to further his education through the government's matriculation programme have been dashed, despite his outstanding academic performance.
Wang Yu Ze from SMK Tinggi St David in Melaka, was left shocked and disappointed after being rejected twice for the matriculation programme.
With an outstanding merit score of 98.99 and straight 9A+ in his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exams, the young lad also has a robust co-curricular portfolio, including roles as an assistant head prefect and participation in national-level competitions.
"The first rejection was a blow, but I still held onto hope for the second intake. When that too resulted in rejection, I felt lost and helpless," Wang told The Star in an interview.
When asked, Wang's choice of matriculation was driven by its shorter duration and financial considerations, as his elder brother is already in university, posing a significant financial burden on their moderate-income family.
"I hoped the matriculation programme would ease my parents' financial load.
"Now, with this setback, I'm anxiously awaiting the Public Services Department (JPA) sponsorship results.
"If unsuccessful, I might have to pursue a direct intake at UM Foundation, which will be financially straining for my family," said Wang, expressing anxiety over the competitive nature of the JPA sponsorship.
On Friday (July 4), MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong highlighted how the current matriculation system was failing top students, including two high achievers from SMK Tinggi St David, Hiew Kai Xuan and Wang.
Despite scoring straight 9A+ and demonstrating leadership and co-curricular excellence, both students were rejected twice from the programme.
Dr Wee highlighted the focus on the minority of students who took 10 subjects, leaving behind the 86% majority who excelled with nine; and urged the Education Minister to address this systemic flaw.
Dr Wee also called for fair access to the programme for students who achieved 9A+, as they were being unfairly penalised by a system they cannot control.
In an appeal letter to the Deputy Education Minister earlier, Wang highlighted his commitment and resilience throughout his secondary education, emphasising the matriculation programme as the most viable path for his tertiary education ambitions.
"When our Prime Minister announced the policy that 10As students would automatically enter matriculation, I was not able to register for the 10th subject for SPM.
"However, I did my best to score an A+ for all nine subjects I took. My academic achievements should have secured me a place, yet I find myself without options.
"I hope I can get a place to study under government institutions," he said.
