KUALA LUMPUR: A group of PKR MPs has called for comprehensive reforms to the UPUOnline system, citing concerns that top STPM students are struggling to secure placements at public universities through the current process.
Lee Chean Chung (PH-Petaling Jaya), who spoke on behalf of the group, said there was a disparity between the numbers of STPM excellent students and the shrinking admission numbers through the system.
"Based on the parliamentary answer that we received, university admissions for eligible STPM holders show a drastic decline.
"We take a look at the Medicine programme (Code 0912) for science stream students and the Law programme (Code 0421) for non-science stream students.
"Statistics show that for the field of Medicine, STPM student admissions have dropped from 623 in 2023 to just 494 in 2024.
"This decline spans across all institutions," he told a press conference at the Parliament lobby on Tuesday (Aug 26).
The joint statement was signed by Onn Abu Bakar (PH-Batu Pahat), Tan Kar Hing (PH-Gopeng), P. Prabakaran (PH-Batu) and Lee.
Aside from that, for Universiti of Malaya (UM), the intake of STPM students dropped from 8 in 2023 to only 1 in 2024, said Lee.
"The same goes for the Law programme for non-science stream students.
"Nationwide, the number of STPM students entering this field plummeted from 185 (2023) to just 131 (2024)," added Lee.
Lee said this was an injustice to students who pursued STPM.
"The STPM examination has long been recognised as an equivalent pre-university qualification to A-levels by higher education institutions both locally and internationally.
"The STPM study period is longer compared to matriculation and foundation programmes, yet in the end, these students are denied access to the main gateway of universities," he said.
"This urgent situation requires the launch of a #ReformUPU movement.
"We also urge all STPM students across the country to use the hashtag #ReformUPU on social media when awaiting university admission offers.
"Only through public and student awareness can this long-standing issue be resolved, restoring the national education agenda and the aspiration of the Education Ministry to dignify education," he said.
