Umno slams Umany's call to end matriculation while UM distances itself

Umno slams Umany's call to end matriculation while UM distances itself


Published: Sep 12, 2025 10:20 PM
Updated: 1:21 AM


Summary

• Umno criticises Umany’s call to abolish the matriculation system, arguing it is vital to level the playing field for underprivileged bumiputera students.

• Umno Youth exco member Wan Zuhir Ghazali warns that relying solely on STPM would favour wealthier, urban families.

• UM distances itself from Umany’s stance, with its vice-chancellor stressing that while freedom of speech is valued, it must be exercised responsibly.

Umno today criticised the Universiti Malaya Association of New Youth (Umany) for calling for the abolition of the government’s matriculation programme, stressing that the scheme is vital to level the playing field for underprivileged bumiputera students.

In a statement today, Umno Youth exco Wan Zuhir Ghazali also described the STPM route as one typically taken by those with financial means and better educational resources, unlike the matriculation system.

“There are those demanding the abolition of matriculation, proposing that STPM should be the sole stream because it is more challenging and recognised internationally.

“But the reality is, matriculation was created because many bumiputera students do not have the same quality access as those in urban areas.

“If everyone had to go through STPM, who would benefit the most? Those who can afford tuition, who attend top schools, and who have excellent teachers.

“And who would lose out the most? Children from villages, the interior, fishing families, and Felda settlers’ children,” Wan Zuhir (above) said.

He said that Umany should not “hide behind” the argument of meritocracy if it only serves to benefit certain groups.

“Do not build a castle upon graves. Do not dance upon the tears of rural children.

“You claim that matriculation is unfair, but strangely, you never question the UEC, which does not follow the national education policy. Why the double standard?” he asked, referring to the Unified Examination Certificate.

On Nov 11 last year, Higher Education Minister Zambry Abd Kadir urged for a comprehensive study on the UEC instead of using it as a political tool, recommending a careful and “non-seasonal” approach to the matter.

Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, he recommended a comprehensive study on the UEC as well as the accreditation of other certificates.

Umany had today urged the government to abolish the matriculation system and use STPM results as the sole benchmark for entry into public universities.

The group’s president, Tang Yi Ze, justified his calls by saying that STPM’s syllabus is proven to be better as it is more challenging and recognised in the international arena.

Tang Yi Ze

Tang said Umany had also approached the Higher Education Ministry on the injustice that exists within the centralised public university admissions system (UPU).

‘Free speech must be used responsibly’

In a statement this evening, UM vice-chancellor Noor Azuan Abu Osman distanced the institution from the student group and called for more responsibility when exercising freedom of speech.

“I wish to emphasise that the said statement does not reflect the official position of Universiti Malaya.

“UM has always upheld freedom of speech among members of the campus community, in line with the spirit of openness and intellectualism that forms the foundation of any institution of higher learning.

“Nevertheless, this freedom must be accompanied by a sense of responsibility and due consideration of the sensitivities and implications of the statements made, particularly those involving public policy,” Noor Azuan said.

He went on to praise the national matriculation system as a comprehensive framework that has proven effective in widening access to higher education for students from diverse backgrounds.

“It is part of the government’s continuous efforts to ensure more inclusive and equitable educational opportunities for all.

“UM remains committed to supporting national education policies based on the principles of justice, accessibility, and human capital development for the progress of the nation,” Noor Azuan added.

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I recall during my school days one of my classmates (who coincidentally sat beside me in class) came from a VERY VERY VERY poor family - his scrawny mum was by livelihood a laundress (as well as the ironing, patching & despatch of customers dresses), and alas his dad was jobless and sad to say, seemingly a perpetual inebriated bloke. The three lived in a rented rundown shack, and I really mean a truly RUNDOWN 'shack'. What private tuition when the family was merely surviving from hand to mouth, and daily in perpetual threat of being evicted. 

just less than half the size of above shack

He obtained 4 principal A's in his HSC. He was/still is a Chinese. If he had been Type M, the old coot would have personally feted him and sent him off to Yale, Harvard, Oxford or Cambridge. He wasn't thus he went to MTC and subsequently on his own, while as a teacher, completed a 'distance learning' degree course at USM.

I want Umno Youth exco Wan Zuhir Ghazali to know this.