IT has become almost an annual ritual. Every year, excited 18-year-olds gush about the string of As they scored in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) exam and talk about their lofty dreams.
Then, months later, they cry about not getting a place in university to do their matriculation.
It’s heartbreaking. With many parents unable to bear the cost of private studies, their dreams are dashed. And so much potential goes to waste.
So, we have to say bravo to the government for the latest decision that all SPM students, regardless of background, who scored 10As and above, will get a place in the matriculation programme.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim declared on Sunday: “All our children, when I say children, I mean Malay, Chinese, Indian, Dayak, Kadazan and all without exception.
“If our children scored 10As and above or obtained excellent results, without any exception, they will get a place. This is an assurance from the government.”
The issue of race, he said, should no longer arise. “This bold move must be done to ensure opportunities are given to those who deserve them,” he added.
It is a commendable move from the Prime Minister and his Cabinet. In a multiracial country like Malaysia, no one should lose out just because of their race.
The heart-wrenching stories of high-scorers who are unable to get places in higher education institutions must come to an end.
There are also other concerns for the country. We are facing a serious brain drain, with many of our top students and talent moving abroad because they cannot get opportunities here.
In March last year, then Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar said 1.86 million Malaysians had migrated abroad, with 1.13 million moving to Singapore.
So many of them had been top students who did not get a place in local universities. Singapore is able to lure them away, not only with places in universities, but also with scholarships and job offers.
We have to keep our best students at home. We can’t allow other countries to snatch them. And we certainly cannot keep shutting our doors on deserving Malaysians.
The Cabinet decision should be clear and decisive. All the best should get a chance to give back to the country. There can be no clarifications, U-turns, changes in policy or double talk.
