PUTRAJAYA: The reclassification of Form Six students under the higher education framework was made because the programme had been overlooked compared with matriculation and other pre-university pathways, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“If I were in Form Six, I would not want to be considered merely a school student, yet they are still in schools, managed by school administrations.
“That is why some adjustments were necessary and we made a policy change.
“Our perception was that the programme had been somewhat neglected compared to matriculation and other pre-university pathways and we are correcting that,” he said.
Anwar made the remarks during the breaking of fast event at Seri Perdana with the Higher Education Ministry and Education Ministry on Saturday (Feb 28).
He added that the move was part of a broader effort to categorise all pre-university programmes as post-secondary education, ensuring students are better prepared for university.
In January, Anwar said the Higher Education Ministry would take over the entire pre-university education system, including Form Six and matriculation programmes, starting next year.
The move will reclassify Form Six and matriculation students under the higher education framework rather than the school system, similar to how the Education Ministry oversees the pre-school sector.
