Kuala lumpur: The current pre-university management system for Form Six students will continue to be overseen by the Ministry of Education (MOE) for the time being, to ensure the smooth operation of the existing framework, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He stated that the decision was made after considering various factors, including student management matters and teacher service schemes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Anwar made these remarks during a meeting with MOE staff. Also present were Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Public Service director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz. Anwar had previously announced plans for the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to fully take over the pre-university system, covering both Sixth Form and Matriculation programmes, starting next year.

Elaborating further, Anwar emphasized that although Sixth Form remains under MOE, its students should be distinguished as post-secondary and pre-university learners. He suggested that Sixth Form students should have a separate block within schools and should not participate in general school assemblies, which should be reserved for Form Five and below.

Anwar highlighted the importance of creating a learning environment that reflects the true status of Sixth Form students as a pathway to higher education. He added that the government might consider revisiting the proposal to place Sixth Form under MOHE in the future, once the system and its implementation are better prepared.

In the meantime, Anwar announced an extension of the Schooling Assistance Scheme (BAmP) under Kumpulan Wang Amanah Pelajar Miskin (KWAPM) to Sixth Form students this year, involving an allocation of RM4.69 million. This expansion would benefit more than 31,000 students from hardcore poor families. The assistance will continue as usual for Year One to Form Five students, with the same support now extended to the more than 30,000 Sixth Form students.

KWAPM assistance consists of the BAmP, providing RM150 for secondary students, RM100 for primary students, and an Emergency Assistance of RM300. The KWAPM fund was established to support underprivileged students by helping them stay in school, aligning with the goals of the Compulsory Education Policy.