Education D-G: Stop debates on matriculation quota system
PETALING JAYA: Education director-general Datuk Dr Amin Senin has called for a ceasefire from parties who were vocal on the Cabinet’s decision to maintain the matriculation’s 90:10 quota system.
The continuous heated debates and disputes had reached a level that is “beyond appropriate decency and manners” which is unhealthy, he said.
“These discussions are disruptive and could affect the focus of our educators to carry out their duties effectively,” he said.
Noting that the 90% bumiputra and 10% non-bumiputra intake policy for matriculation was the Cabinet’s decision, Amin said the ministry was merely carrying out its duties.
“We (ministry) believe that as Education Minister, Dr Maszlee Malik has the right to defend what the Cabinet has decided on.
“As civil servants working within the ministry, we will also continue our responsibility in maintaining and implementing policies – which are based on the interests of the people – that have been decided by the government,” said Amin.
The backlash on the matriculation quota system started after April 19, when the ministry announced that the 90% bumiputra and 10% non-bumiputra intake policy, which is done based on meritocracy, would be maintained this year.
It was also announced that 60% of seats would be allocated to students from the B40 group.
According to Maszlee, the Cabinet allowed the number of students entering the matriculation programme to be increased to 40,000 from the previous 25,000, though the 90% quota for bumiputra would remain.
There was support shown for such a move, but there was also frustration from those who asked the ministry to abolish the matriculation quota system.