DAP claims credit for matric policy shift, MCA mocks govt

Summary

• DAP welcomes Education Ministry’s decision to grant matriculation places to all high-achieving 2024 SPM students, regardless of race, highlighting this as a reform driven by their party ministers.

• MCA mocks the government over the policy U-turn.

DAP has taken credit for the Education Ministry providing all 2024 SPM students who scored 10As and above, including A-, spots in matriculation programmes regardless of their racial background.

This came after DAP’s rival, MCA and its leaders published a few sarcastic social media posts mocking the government over the policy.

DAP publicity secretary Yeo Bee Yin said the party welcomes the cabinet’s latest decision.

"In fact, this policy was first proposed by DAP ministers and the cabinet officially adopted it last year.

"This move proves that DAP is actively driving reforms within the government, successfully implementing a policy that MCA ministers had failed to achieve for decades.

"Nevertheless, we are fully aware that the key to reform is not about comparing with past administrations, but about building a fairer and more inclusive future for the nation," she said in a statement today.

Yeo (above) added that DAP will continue to play an active role in the government to push for a fairer, more transparent, and open admission process for the public higher education institutions.

The automatic admission of 10A students into the matriculation programme, she said, is merely the first step in their pursuit of structural reform in the education system.

"We will continue striving to build a more equitable education system, ensuring that every hardworking Malaysian child - regardless of race, religion, origin, or background - has access to quality opportunities for further education," she added.

Madani govt’s commitment

DAP deputy chairperson Nga Kor Ming said the cabinet decision reflects the Madani government’s commitment towards meritocracy, equal opportunity, appreciating talents and effort to empower young Malaysians in pursuing quality education.

"This inclusive policy, which applies regardless of race or background, recognises the outstanding efforts of our top-performing students.

"The government is sending a clear message that academic excellence will be rewarded fairly and consistently and every Malaysian is being appreciated," said the housing and local government minister.

Yesterday, the Education Ministry announced that top SPM scorers who obtained 10As and above, including those with A-, will receive places in matriculation programmes regardless of their racial background.

Previously, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and DAP came under fire from MCA and MIC, after it was found that the ministry had classified A and A- in SPM grades as below excellent.

‘Slap in the face’

In a Facebook posting yesterday, MCA president Wee Ka Siong expressed relief over the cabinet's latest decision.

"Finally, they see our point," said the Ayer Hitam MP, adding a hashtag that read "a slap in the face".

MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon called it a "rakyat's victory".

"The government finally caved to criticism and made a U-turn. This is a victory for the people," he said.

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