PUTRAJAYA: The Higher Education Ministry says that the government's decision to allow students from outside the national education system to apply to public universities should not be interpreted as formal recognition of alternative education systems, says Datuk Prof Dr Azlinda Azman.
"For us, this is about opening access, not recognition (of alternative education systems).
"As a ministry, we are inclusive. Our stance on access to education is clear and under the Malaysia Higher Education Plan 2026-2035, we are committed to delivering on that," the Higher Education director-general said during a special press conference on Friday (May 15).
She also said that students from outside the national system who are admitted into public universities through the special entry route would continue to receive government subsidies.
According to her, these students will be placed under mainstream programmes, not commercial or fee-paying categories.
"When they enter these programmes, they are considered part of the mainstream stream.
"That means their studies are still subsidised by the government," she said, adding that claims suggesting higher "commercial" tuition fees for such students were incorrect.
Prof Azlinda was responding to questions on the funding mechanism for students from schools such as Chinese independent secondary schools, Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holders and tahfiz institutions who gain admission into public universities.
On May 14, the Higher Education Ministry said the government had agreed to allow candidates outside the national education system with full SPM qualifications to apply for selected public university programmes through the UPUOnline system.
The Cabinet agreed on several entry pathways for students from tahfiz schools or institutions, private schools and Chinese independent secondary schools (SMPC) into public universities.
Candidates who sit for Bahasa Melayu and History examinations conducted by the Malaysian Examinations Syndicate and recognised by the Education Ministry may be considered for selected programmes, subject to the suitability of the field of study and current needs.
For candidates from tahfiz schools or institutions, the identified programmes include Diploma and Bachelor's Degree in Dakwah; Diploma and Bachelor's Degree in Al-Quran and As-Sunnah; Bachelor's Degree in Tahfiz Education; and Bachelor's Degree in Islamic Studies (Dakwah).
Meanwhile, for candidates from SMPC or with UEC, the identified programmes include Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language Studies with Honours; Bachelor's Degree in Chinese Language and Linguistics; Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Studies; and Bachelor's Degree in Chinese Language with Education.
"This is based on merit calculations according to subject packages determined by the Education Ministry and subject to the general and specific programme requirements set by universities through a merit-based selection process," said Prof Azlinda.
