- All students with 10As or more in the 2024 SPM will receive matriculation programme placements, regardless of race or background.
- The policy rewards academic excellence while preserving the existing Bumiputera quota, ensuring a balanced and inclusive approach.
- A total of 14,179 students scored straight As in 2024 the highest in 11 years reflecting rising academic performance.
In a landmark move aimed at promoting meritocracy and equal educational opportunities, the Malaysian government has announced that all students who achieved 10As or more in the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination will be guaranteed placement in the national matriculation programme, regardless of race or background.
The decision, which was approved during a recent Cabinet meeting, was confirmed by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and aligns with a prior commitment made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. It marks a significant shift in policy, especially for students who earned A- grades alongside As, who were previously not automatically eligible for admission.
A total of 14,179 students obtained straight As in the 2024 SPM the highest figure in 11 years, surpassing the 11,713 top scorers recorded in 2023. The spike follows recent reforms that made Bahasa Malaysia and History compulsory pass subjects, aiming to raise academic standards.
DAP National Deputy Chairman and Housing Minister Nga Kor Ming praised the move as a bold step toward rewarding academic excellence while maintaining social inclusiveness. “This inclusive policy sends a strong message that top-performing students will be recognised fairly, irrespective of ethnicity or background”, he said.
Nga emphasized that the policy aligns with the Madani government’s vision of building a merit-based and progressive society. “The decision upholds our commitment to meritocracy, empowers young Malaysians, and boosts public confidence in our national education system”, he added.
Importantly, the existing Bumiputera quota system for the matriculation programme will remain unaffected. The Education Ministry clarified that this decision respects the government's assurance of maintaining the quota system while still ensuring no outstanding student is left behind.
“The DAP continues to support policies that honour academic achievement while promoting social equity”, said Nga. “Education remains the most powerful tool for national empowerment”.
The MOE reaffirmed that all eligible students who applied to the matriculation programme and secured 10A results including those with A- grades will be offered admission. The announcement has been widely welcomed as a step toward inclusive excellence, providing bright Malaysian youth the opportunity to further their education without systemic barriers.
