Fair criteria for STPM holders to further their studies

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw calls on the Higher Education Ministry to come out with fair criteria for students who have passed Higher School Certificate, Matriculation and Asasi to further their studies.

Countries with similar types of examinations such as Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand have their system for Sixth Form holders to further their studies. Some end up in universities and some in colleges.

On 19.10.2010, Dr Tan comments on the media report that 12,000 STPM/Matriculation/Asasi holders who have not managed a place in the 20 public universities.

It is a good thing to see that thousands of Malaysian youths sit for the equivalent of Sixth Form examinations. We hope that the Education Ministry ensures that STPM, Matriculation and Asasi have equivalent Sixth Form standard. Although these examinations do not necessarily reflect the true ability of every student, candidates who take these examinations believe in education.

According to the Higher Education Ministry, 64,703 candidates with passes in STPM/Matriculation/Asasi applied for degree courses in 20 public universities; 53,216 had minimum qualifications and 41,267 had been offered places in these universities. 12,000 have not been successful.

Some suggest that 12,000 unsuccessful candidates are enrolled in private institutions. Private universities have their own criteria.

We hope that STPM (HSC), Matriculation and Asasi have equivalent standard. We know that not all who possess Sixth Form certificates will get into institutions to which they have applied. Each institution has its own criteeria. Hence, the Higher Education Ministry must come out with fair and just criteria for university intake. There must be adequate public and private institutions to cater for the need.

Tan Seng Giaw