PUTRAJAYA, July 1 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today assured the government will maintain the Bumiputera quota for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) holders to enrol in matriculation courses.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the quota would be maintained as it is enshrined in Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, which involves the special position of Malays and Bumiputeras in Sabah and Sarawak.
“We have chosen a path we believe is fair and reasonable. If (the students) are citizens and residents of Malaysia, we must support them, but we also accept meritocracy. Regardless of race or region, we can guarantee a place in matriculation for them.
“Our Bumiputera quota will remain unchanged as this decision is related to the constitution, ensuring the future of Bumiputeras so there is no disparity. Civil servants must understand we uphold meritocracy, but we also uphold fairness,” he said in his speech at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly today.
Yesterday, Anwar announced students who obtain 10As and above in the SPM will be guaranteed a place in any matriculation programme regardless of race or region, from this year. The cabinet made this decision on June 28.
Anwar said although the decision recognises excellence regardless of race and background, the government will resolutely defend the Bumiputera quota.
“I believe this matter will be explained more thoroughly today. Fadhlina (Education Minister) will clarify this,” he said.
He hoped the announcement about the guarantee of matriculation places for SPM holders with 10As and above would help the country recognise every Malaysian who excels in the exam.
“Whoever obtains 10As, regardless of race or region, we (the government) guarantee a place in matriculation,” he said.
Anwar said the decision shows the Madani government wants the country to progress by prioritising equality — the motto of the administration.
“Education is the best vehicle to achieve social mobility. The best, the smartest, the brightest should be encouraged, but the poor should not be marginalised,” he said.
Meanwhile, Anwar in a Facebook post today said in a country that implements a meritocracy-based system, the government has emphasised the importance of balancing meritocracy with justice, as expressed by Harvard scholar John Rawls.
“This must be understood by some elite groups in the city, who talk loudly about meritocracy, but do not think about whether it is fair to let students in Manik Urai or Kapit compete with students in Malay College Kuala Kangsar or SMJK Chung Ling, which are equipped with the best infrastructure.”
He cautioned against implementing meritocracy without consideration for fairness, as the poor and marginalised will remain so.
“This is The Tyranny of Merit as argued by American scholar Michael Sandel,” he said.
Anwar said the government of today, which promotes the Madani concept, must be more concerned for the excluded, neglected, and marginalised.
He said meritocracy must be defended by giving more opportunities and encouragement to the brightest minds to advance Malaysia, but it must also address the needs of the poor and marginalised.
— Bernama
