Matriculation spots opened to all top scorers to ease tensions, says PM

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the Bumiputera quota in matriculation admissions has been contentious, with debates over minority rights versus the Bumiputera privileges outlined in the constitution.

PUTRAJAYA: The decision to open spots in matriculation programmes to all Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) top scorers, regardless of race, was to reduce tension in the education system, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said the Bumiputera quota for matriculation college admission had caused controversy at times, with some arguing against minority rights and others questioning the rights of Bumiputeras enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

“So we (the Cabinet who made the decision) took a balanced approach. If they are our citizens, we should protect them. Therefore, we must accept the reality of meritocracy,” he said in his speech today at the Prime Minister’s Department’s monthly assembly.

“This should ease the ‘tension’ that the education ministry faces almost every year (when matriculation placements are announced). In such matters, the heated political climate can sometimes lead to racial and social tensions.”

Yesterday, Anwar announced that all students who score 10As and above in SPM, regardless of race or background, will be assured a spot in matriculation colleges starting with the 2025 intake. However, he said the existing Bumiputera quota for the matriculation programme would not be affected.

The prime minister said the decision was made by the Cabinet last Friday to address the issue of fairness in education.

Racial quotas for admission to public universities were abolished in 2002. However, matriculation colleges maintain a 90% quota for Bumiputeras, while certain foundation courses are exclusively for Bumiputeras.

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