Anwar says details still being finalised after cabinet agrees to open selected public university programmes to diverse education backgrounds.
SEREMBAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said several implementation details are still being refined following the government’s broad agreement to open selected public university programmes to graduates from diverse education backgrounds, including students from tahfiz institutions and Chinese independent schools.
He said the government had agreed in principle to widen access to public universities for students from tahfiz institutions and Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) holders, provided they pass Bahasa Melayu and History at SPM level.
“The Cabinet’s decision is that students must pass Bahasa Melayu and History. We are allowing access, although initially it may be limited to certain courses.
“Previously, this matter was not properly prepared. Now, when Chinese schools are included, we are giving room. That is a good development,” he told reporters after the National Youth Day celebration here today.
Anwar said the move reflected a more inclusive approach while maintaining a common national academic standard.
He stressed that the policy was not confined to any single group, but would apply across all education streams under the same conditions.
“This is not limited to one group. Arab schools, religious secondary schools, tahfiz institutions and others are all subject to the same requirements, including international schools involving Malaysian students,” he said.
He reiterated that the core requirement remained unchanged.
“They must pass SPM Bahasa Melayu and History,” he said.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Higher Education announced that the Cabinet had approved an alternative entry pathway for students from religious schools, private schools and Chinese independent schools to enter public universities.
According to the ministry, students with a full SPM qualification can apply to all programmes through UPUOnline based on merit.
A second pathway has also been introduced for those who do not possess a full SPM certificate but have passed Bahasa Melayu and History.
Under the new pathway, students will be eligible to apply for selected programmes relevant to their field of study.
For tahfiz and religious school graduates, this includes Islamic-related programmes, while Chinese independent school graduates and UEC holders may apply for Chinese language and cultural studies programmes.
The ministry said all applications would remain subject to merit-based selection and final approval by university Senates.
