Bukit payong: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for the construction project of the Terengganu Matriculation College in Bukit Payong, with an initial allocation of RM27 million, to be expedited in order to create broader educational opportunities. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the educational facility can be accessed by students as soon as possible, aligning with the government's efforts to enhance access to quality education nationwide.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, applications from Terengganu for the matriculation programme have exceeded 7,000. The Prime Minister highlighted the absence of a matriculation education facility in the state, underscoring the necessity of the college. He noted that although the project begins with RM27 million, its eventual completion will bring significant benefits if expedited. Anwar made these remarks during the ground-breaking ceremony of the matriculation college.
The event was also attended by Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh. The Terengganu Matriculation College is expected to accommodate up to 3,000 students and will be equipped with modern laboratories, student hostels, and comprehensive academic facilities.
Meanwhile, Anwar mentioned that the government is focusing on educational programmes and projects to secure the future of the younger generation. He revealed that the Cabinet decided last month that students with 10 As in the recent Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination would automatically receive opportunities for higher education, such as matriculation colleges.
Anwar also confirmed that the 90 per cent admission quota for Bumiputera students would be maintained. He stressed that the brightest children from wealthy urban families would not be marginalized, while the quota aims to prevent widening disparities between the rich and the poor.
The Prime Minister further advised the younger generation to enhance their education in research, science, and technology by emulating Iran's capabilities in these fields. He remarked on the strength of unity among the Iranian people and their focus on education, which enables them to withstand external pressures from major global powers like the United States and its ally Israel.