Access To Public Universities For Tahfiz, SMPC/UEC Grads Expands Educational Opportunities – Loke

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (Bernama) -- The government's decision to allow graduates of tahfiz schools and institutions, Chinese Private Secondary Schools or holders of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) to enrol in public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) is aimed at expanding access to tertiary education for Malaysians.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said the move was part of the government's commitment announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in January to provide additional pathways for students from education systems outside the Ministry of Education (MOE) to further their studies at public universities.

"It is not just UEC holders. Tahfiz certificate holders are also now eligible. This is about expanding access for Malaysians to pursue higher education and that is a positive development," he told reporters after launching the Segambut Utara Railway Station here today.

Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, and Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud, representing Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif.

Loke, who is also Transport Minister, criticised the opposition for objecting to the government's efforts to broaden educational opportunities.

"We want to expand access to education and ensure our children have the opportunity to receive a better education. The opposition opposes for the sake of opposing. They do not want people to have access to education, and in doing so, they deny our children the right to pursue studies at a higher level.

"Naturally, the government supports efforts to improve access and provide pathways for UEC graduates to enter public universities and other local institutions of higher learning, while extending the same opportunities to students from tahfiz schools," he said.

Yesterday, the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) said the Cabinet had agreed to several decisions concerning admission pathways for students from tahfiz schools and institutions, private schools and Chinese Independent High Schools to public institutions of higher learning.

-- BERNAMA