NIBONG TEBAL: The matriculation system will not be abolished, as both the programme and the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) are recognised pathways that meet the requirements for entry into public universities.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said both systems had long been integral to the national education framework and played a crucial role in providing access to higher education.
“I have followed the debates and discussions on abolishing matriculation, but I would advise against taking this issue to extremes. Both STPM and matriculation have long been established in our education system.
“Each has its own strengths and fulfils the merit requirements for entry into public universities. At the same time, the Education Ministry (MoE) is fully committed to continuously improving them, based on feedback and suggestions received from time to time,” she said.
Fadhlina told reporters this after launching the Penang-level Madani Pre-University Congress 2025 at Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) Engineering Campus here today.
She was responding to the Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth’s (Umany) call for the government to abolish the matriculation system and adopt STPM results as the sole benchmark for public university admission.
The Nibong Tebal MP said the ministry had always prioritised both the academic aspects and welfare of students in the two systems, and that improvements would continue to be introduced in stages.
She said that the ministry had also undertaken various initiatives to strengthen the Form Six programme, including enhancing student leadership through the recent introduction of student elections.
“We should not be divided by issues that bring no benefit and only foster negative perceptions towards both programmes. Both remain vital in supporting education and widening access to higher education for our children,” she added.
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