BATU PAHAT: The MCA youth wing has received a total of 394 complaints from students with straight 10As but denied of matriculation program due to sudden change of entry qualifications excluding A-.

Prior to this, A-, A and A+ are considered A where students with straight As in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) are eligible for matriculation programs. 

It was reported that in a Facebook video, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong noted that the Education Ministry had released a circular on April 30 that only students with 10As comprising A+ and A in all subjects will be given an automatic offer to enroll into the matriculation program for the 2025/2026 session.

Dr Wee pointed out that this was a significant shift from the government’s policy last year when students with 10As in SPM were allocated a place in matriculation, as announced by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Dr Wee urged the government to review this policy and stressed that he was not politicizing the issue.

He said this in a press conference after the annual general meeting of Ayer Hitam MCA division on June 1.

Of the 394 complaints, 214 of them scored straight10 As which included A- and as of April 30, the new definition of A no longer covered A-.

Thus, they were no longer eligible for matriculation programs.

Other complaints were students scoring straight As under the new definition but were denied of matriculation. Some scored straight 9As, one subject short of 10As.

“As a politician, we raise unfair matters. We feel sorry for these students and they deserve a fair chance,’’ he said.

Dr wee said the new definition of As was made after the release of SPM results and students found the new measure hard to accept.

In June last year, Anwar Ibrahim said all SPM students, regardless of background, who scored 10As and above, will get a place in the matriculation program.

However, Dr Wee said it was odd that now, the matriculation division of the ministry said only 10A+ and A will be automati­cally given places.