IPOH: PKR Youth has rejected calls to abolish the matriculation programme, stressing that it should remain 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 on Saturday (Sept 13).
The event, held for the fourth time, is organised by Pertubuhan Ikram Malaysia (Ikram). Muhammad Kamil was representing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
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) which urged 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.
When asked on several suggestions including calls for the Bantuan Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) to be expanded, including calls for it to be used at village sundry shops and for its coverage to be widened further, Muhammad Kamil said the government is open to considering such proposals.
“We are open to proposals, with the Finance Ministry tasked to study the matter.
“I want to assure you that this government listens.
“Just as we recently responded to public feedback on items to be exempted from the sales and service tax (SST), after which improvements were made, and the same approach applies here,” he said.
He added that the decision on the types of shops or goods that could be covered under SARA will be announced later by the ministry.
On the programme, he reminded everyone of the need to celebrate diversity in society and to strengthen unity and brotherhood among Malaysians of all races and religions.
When asked about him mentioning in his speech that certain parties were playing with sentiment issues, such as the Kampung Sungai Baru case, and the Opposition trying to link it to government failures, Muhammad Kamil said it was not fair to link the government.
He said the gazetting of the land was in 2021, during the time of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.
He added that Pas was part of the government, Bersatu was in government, and others too at the time.
“So, what is happening at Kampung Sungai Baru today is actually the developer carrying out a court order.
“It has nothing to do with the government, and linking this to the government as though it has failed is just an attempt to stir sentiment or political hatred, particularly among the Malay community.
“To me, this is an irresponsible stance, and worse still there have even been threats to kill the Prime Minister, yet the opposition leadership has not addressed this,” he added.
Muhammad Kamil said this kind of extremist politics must be opposed firmly.
“We cannot allow anyone to exploit crises to sow seeds of racial or religious hatred in this country,” he added.
