IPOH: PKR Youth has dismissed calls to abolish the matriculation programme, emphasising that it should continue to exist alongside the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) system.
Its chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim said both pathways should remain, as each serves a different purpose.
“STPM has its function and matriculation has its function as well.
“If improvements are required, they can be made,” he said during a press conference after launching the “Karnival Kita Anak Malaysia” held at Mydin Mall here yesterday.
The event held for the fourth time is organised by Pertubuhan Ikram Malaysia.
Muhammad Kamil, who is also the political secretary to the Finance Minister added that while suggestions from student groups are welcome, it was not the right time to scrap matriculation.
“Proposals can be submitted to the government, particularly the Education and Higher Education Ministries.
“I am confident they will study the matter, deliberate on it, and bring it to the Cabinet for the best decision,” he said.
He was asked to comment on Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) call for the government to abolish the matriculation system and use STPM results as the sole benchmark for entry into public universities.
Its president, Tang Yi Ze, had previously argued that the STPM syllabus was more rigorous and better recognised internationally.
