Kuala Lumpur: The Education Ministry (MOE) has never issued any circular stating that an A- grade is not considered an excellent result or that students with such grades are ineligible to apply for the matriculation programme. Minister Fadhlina Sidek dismissed the claims as baseless and stressed that all students with excellent academic achievement are eligible to apply for the programme under the existing merit system.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadhlina emphasized that they have never issued any circular stating that A- is not equivalent to an A, or that A- is not excellent. She was speaking to reporters at the 2024 Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), Malaysian University English Test and Malay Language Proficiency Certificate for Foreign Nationals Outstanding Student Award Ceremony.
Fadhlina noted that this year’s matriculation intake process was among the most orderly and smooth, conducted transparently by taking into account various factors, including the number of subjects taken and the stipulated merit points. She added that programmes focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) continue to prioritize student selection based on academic performance and merit, including through the Physical Activity, Sports and Co-curriculum Assessment (PAJSK) system.
Furthermore, she clarified that automatic admission into MOE’s matriculation programme is given to students who obtain 10As and above (A+ and A grades).
In another development, Fadhlina announced that the ministry will establish a Form Six Council by October to strengthen student leadership and serve as a voice for students nationwide. The council will bring together student leaders from across the country once school-level leadership elections are completed.
Fadhlina stated that the establishment of the council aims to foster closer engagement between students, the ministry, and its top leadership. She elaborated that the council will enhance Form Six student leadership and provide them with opportunities to work closely with the ministry, gaining exposure to processes and internship programmes.