KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 — Deputy National Unity Minister Yuneswaran Ramaraj has welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s reaffirmation that admission to the Matriculation Programme should continue to be granted fairly to outstanding Malaysian students regardless of race, background or region.
In a media statement, Yuneswaran said education remains the foundation of nation-building and stressed that Malaysia’s future should be shaped by knowledge, excellence, discipline and equal opportunities, rather than racial sentiments.
He described the Matriculation Programme as a vital pathway for producing future intellectuals, professionals, scientists, engineers, accountants, educators and national leaders, adding that it should be viewed as a bridge to success rather than an obstacle.
Citing official data from the Ministry of Education, Yuneswaran noted that 413,299 candidates registered for the 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination across 3,350 examination centres nationwide. Of these, the ministry has confirmed that all 6,717 students who obtained 10A and above and applied for the 2026/2027 Matriculation Programme will be offered places regardless of race or background.
He described the decision as a bold and socially just policy that reflects the MADANI Government’s commitment to recognising academic excellence while ensuring no community is left behind.
At the same time, Yuneswaran acknowledged concerns that some deserving students were still unable to secure matriculation placements despite their strong academic performance. He urged the authorities to address such cases promptly, in line with the Prime Minister’s call for fair educational access for all Malaysians.
“Education must never be politicised along racial lines. When a Malay, Chinese, Indian, Orang Asli, Iban, Kadazan, Murut or any Malaysian student excels academically, it is the nation’s responsibility to provide them with opportunities to progress further,” he said.
Yuneswaran said the government’s approach is consistent with the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI to build a competitive, inclusive nation founded on humanitarian values. He added that Malaysia needs more highly educated and skilled young people who can excel in science, technology, engineering, accounting, professional fields and other strategic sectors.
He also called for greater efforts to expand educational opportunities, strengthen merit-based access, support low-income families and ensure that no outstanding Malaysian student is denied opportunities because of their background.
Yuneswaran urged all parties to support the policy responsibly, stressing that education should serve as a bridge to unity, national progress and sustainable development rather than becoming a source of division.
— MINUTESMY
