Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has announced the introduction of a unified 'single window, single offer' system aimed at streamlining admissions into matriculation programmes and public universities. This initiative is designed to prevent students from receiving multiple offers, thereby simplifying the selection process.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir outlined that under the new system, applicants will receive only one offer based on their best results and the established meritocracy framework. Previously, students could receive offers from both matriculation and universities, which the new system aims to rectify. The minister discussed these changes during a question session in the Dewan Rakyat, addressing queries regarding the standardisation of curriculum and assessments among various educational pathways.
Zambry further clarified that the grading mechanisms for the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), matriculation, and foundation programmes will remain unchanged. The Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) system will continue to be monitored by their respective boards. Specifically, assessments for STPM will remain under the Malaysian Examinations Council, while matriculation and foundation programmes will maintain their current management structures.
The minister also addressed plans to transfer the management of the Matriculation Programme, stating that steps are being formulated to cover aspects such as legislation, welfare, finance, staffing, systems, and assets. The MOHE intends to adhere to the 'No Less Favourable' principle for student welfare during this transition. A Joint Steering Committee for Form Six and Matriculation, with support from central agencies like the Public Service Department (JPA) and the Ministry of Finance, will oversee this process to ensure a smooth transition.
From a governance standpoint, Zambry noted that consolidating management is expected to reduce bureaucratic overlap, particularly in areas such as curriculum planning, assessment, admissions, and quality monitoring. This unification is anticipated to allow for resource sharing, data standardisation, and more efficient operating costs without compromising student welfare or the quality of teaching.
Further discussions with the Public Service Department have been conducted to safeguard the service schemes and seniority of lecturers. The proposed transition will occur in two phases, beginning with planning and preparation this year, followed by full implementation of the matriculation programme by 2027. This transition will require amendments to several legal provisions, including the Education Act 1996 and the Malaysian Examinations Council Act 1980.
At a press conference at the Parliament Building, Zambry announced that the 'single window, single offer' system is expected to be operational by next year, following the completion of the first phase, which involves technical and management coordination, including legal aspects. He also expressed hope that the transfer of the matriculation programme's management from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Higher Education would be finalised this year.
Zambry highlighted issues concerning STPM-level teachers, who are currently under a different salary scheme, which raises questions about potential reclassification as lecturers. However, he emphasized that matriculation and STPM are pre-university programmes and should not be considered university schemes, although salary adjustments may be necessary. These matters are now under review by the joint committees formed by both ministries.