BERNAMA – Umany’s Call To Abolish Matriculation Does Not Reflect UM’s Stance

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) — University Malaya (UM) has clarified that the statement by the University of Malaya Association of New Youth (UMANY) calling for the abolition of the matriculation programme does not reflect the university’s official stance.

Its vice-chancellor (VC) Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman said that the national matriculation programme was a comprehensive education system that had played a key role in providing access to higher education for students from diverse backgrounds.

“The matriculation system is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure more inclusive and equitable educational opportunities for all.

“UM remains committed to supporting the national education policy, which is based on the principles of justice, accessibility and human capital development for the sake of national progress,” he said in a statement today.

Noor Azuan said that UM had always supported freedom of expression among campus residents, in line with the spirit of openness and intellectualism that forms the foundation of an institution of higher learning.

“This freedom, however, must come with responsibility and due consideration of the sensitivity and implications of statements made, especially those involving public policy,” he said.

It was reported that UMANY president Tang Yi Ze had called for the abolition of the matriculation programme, proposing that STPM serve as the sole standard for admission to degree programmes at public universities.

In a separate statement, the National Student Consultative Council (MPPK) said the matriculation programme was a vital pathway to higher education, expressing concern that its abolition would limit access for many students and undermine the long-term interests of the country’s educational development.

It said the matriculation programme had proven to play a major role in providing an effective platform for producing excellent students and meeting the country’s needs for skilled workers.

“MPPK condemns any action, call or approach that may affect the well-being of students and cause public unrest. Every education issue must be discussed rationally and professionally and not based solely on emotions or specific interests.

“Education policy planning must be based on the long-term interests of the country, prioritising the human development agenda and ensuring that all Malaysians, regardless of background, benefit from an equitable and quality education system,” the council said.

Therefore, MPPK called for discussions on the future of education to be conducted in a spirit of inclusivity, justice and equality.

–BERNAMA

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