PUTRAJAYA, May 15 (Bernama) -- The government’s decision on admission pathways for students from outside the national education system to pursue studies at public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) does not mean compromising the national education policy or recognising other systems, said Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
The Higher Education Minister said the national education policy remains unchanged, with the main requirement for entry into IPTA still based on the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).
“Yesterday, when the government made the decision to open up access, it was not about granting recognition (to other systems). We will not change; we will not recognise other systems.
“Whether you are from any stream, whether an international school, SMPC (Sekolah Menengah Persendirian Cina), religious school or any institution not following the national curriculum, you must follow our system,” he said in his speech at the 2025 excellent service awards of the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education here today.
He said the decision had been politicised, leading to debates over the national education system.
“There have been debates regarding the education system. For example, when we do this, some say we are compromising our education system,” he said.
Yesterday, the Cabinet meeting agreed on several decisions regarding entry pathways for students from tahfiz schools or institutions, private schools and SMPC into IPTA. However, these were misrepresented by certain parties, including political groups, who claimed the government had recognised the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).
-- BERNAMA
