KUALA LUMPUR: The government does not anticipate problems in ensuring that all students who obtained 10As or higher on the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination are admitted to any matriculation or public university programme.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said he would discuss the matter with Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
"We believe that we will not have issues facilitating students with 10As and above because there are sufficient places in (universities for) foundation and matriculation programmes.
"We (Higher Education and Education Ministries) will coordinate this matter as there are students who obtained places in both (matriculation and foundation programmes)," he told a press conference after a Concorde Club session.
"Students have to choose either one, so we need to work together." Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that all students who obtained 10As and above in SPM will be guaranteed a place in any matriculation programme regardless of race or locality.
Anwar said this decision was made by the cabinet in a meeting last Friday to address the long-standing issue of fairness in education.
Zambry said high scorers who scored fewer than 10As could appeal for spots in either matriculation or university programmes.
He also said the issue should not be politicised.
"The issue of a reduced quota for Bumiputeras should not arise."
Earlier today, Anwar gave his assurance that the Bumiputera quota system under the Education Ministry's matriculation programme will remain unchanged.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining the quota for Bumiputeras, citing its longstanding practice and alignment with Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.
Article 153 reserves quotas for Malays and natives of Sabah and Sarawak in various services and permits.