Institutional reforms via placement for all underway

Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said institutional reform is needed so the 10As student appeal situation wouldn’t be repeated every year.

“The most important thing is that we do not want the 10As student appeal situation to repeat every year.

“What we need is institutional reform. This reform is the guarantee of places for 10As students,” he said via a Facebook post.

This decision to admit Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) top scorers who score 10‘A’s was officially announced by the Prime Minister on June 30.

By then, the Education Ministry was already handling the appeal cases of outstanding students.

He noted that while many students with 10‘A’s have gradually secured places in the matriculation program, some have yet to be admitted, so the Education Minister and Deputy Minister’s office began to process the list of students who were not admitted.

“The team has received more than 356 appeal cases of outstanding students from MPs, social groups, emails, and WhatsApp messages, and is reviewing other eligible 10‘A’s students in the Education Ministry’s database.

“Over the past few days, even during the long weekend, the team has been tirelessly reviewing each document and result through face-to-face meetings, video conferences, and group discussions to ensure that all 10‘A’s students receive places in the matriculation program. This is the Cabinet’s decision, and this is the Prime Minister’s announcement,” he added.

Wong said he understands the students and their parents’ feelings.

“As I mentioned in my previous post, I understand the feelings of parents and students, especially the anxiety during the waiting process,” he added.

He recalled experiencing similar frustration back in 2000 when his Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) results were released.

“I wanted to study law but was worried about not being admitted, and my parents couldn’t afford to send me abroad (at least RM200,000 was needed at that time).

“I remember lying on the couch at home for a whole week, silent, until I received an offer from the International Islamic University Malaysia, which finally brought me relief, leading me to where I am today.

“Today, our job is to help outstanding students. This year is the first year of guaranteeing places for 10‘A’s students, and inevitably, there will be various issues,” he said.

He added that during the process, many situations will arise, but many details cannot be disclosed to avoid affecting the students’ admission process.