Among the appeals were for 25 students who obtained 10A's, 58 with 9A's, 80
with 8A's, 79 with 7A's, 87 with 6A's
and 60 with 5A's.
Malaysians are fully aware that competition is stiff for the limited places in
local universities, particular for
science courses. The situation is
aggravated by the quota system to help bumiputra students, especially those from the rural areas.
However, it is difficult for anyone to explain how top students can't get a
place in university.
It is unlikely to be government policy to
reject these brilliant students; possibly, it is more the actions of over-zealous
officials.
Such actions, however, put the Government in bad light as it would be seen as
unjust.
We do not want opposition-minded academicians to sabotage government efforts
to educate our young.
Last week, Deputy Education Minister Datuk Hon Choon Kim said that all the
10A's students who have appealed to UTM
would be favourably considered and
“most likely'' be accepted because of
their good grades.
He correctly pointed out that these students could still enter Lower Six as an
option if they failed to secure places
in these two universities. And they
would have another chance of getting
into university.
But why should the cream of the crop be
subjected to this discrimination?
The Government has emphasised much on
excellence in education. Our academicians should uphold this directive strictly.
Surely they must realise that Malaysia
could lose these top students to foreign universities. It is well known
that Singapore offers scholarships and places to such applicants.
In many cases, these students remained
overseas upon completing their studies. Ultimately, this would be a loss
to our country.
It is sad that our university administrators
are insensitive to the implications of their actions.
By all means reject applicants with average results to maintain standards, but
no one can disregard the best of the
best.
The MCA should be commended for trying
to ensure that these deserving students get into university.
The UTM and UPM officials have no cause
for concern in taking in these top students. No one in his right mind can possibly
argue against their acceptance.
And if accepted, steps must be taken to ensure that they are not enrolled in
obscure courses.
Recently, concern over the standards of
some of our institutions of higher learning was raised, even by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
The pursuit of academic excellence must
be sole responsibility of our academicians. Malaysians will judge them for their
scholarly work, particularly their research and
publications.
It's time they spend less time on politics
and devote their attention to providing the best for our young minds.
