NIBONG TEBAL: The Education Ministry hopes there will not be any concern in regards to maintaining the matriculation quota following the government's announcement that all students with 10As in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) would be guaranteed a place at any government matriculation centre.
Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the prime minister's announcement was a guarantee that there will be ample educational opportunities and that those with excellent SPM results obtain a place for their higher education.
"We want to express our gratitude to the prime minister for this significant and important announcement.
"This is an assurance that outstanding SPM students will further their studies to the tertiary level this year. It is a a guarantee provided by the prime minister himself," she told reporters here when commenting on the matter.
Earlier today, Anwar said all students who achieved 10As in the SPM would be guaranteed a place at any matriculation centre by the government, regardless of race or locality.
He said details of this decision would be disclosed by Fadhlina tomorrow.
He also said this decision was made by the Cabinet in a meeting last Friday to address the long-standing issue of fairness in education in the country.
Fadhlina said she and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir would coordinate subsequent announcements on the matter.
"Insya Allah, our ministries will coordinate with each other for the next announcements on this matter. This is done to ensure there is education opportunities for everyone regardless if background or ethnicity. Congratulations to all students," she added.