PUTRAJAYA (July 1): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Monday assured that the government will maintain the Bumiputera quota for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) holders to continue their studies at the matriculation level.

Anwar, who is also the Minister of Finance, said that the quota would be maintained as it is enshrined in Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, which involves the special position of Malays and Bumiputeras in Sabah and Sarawak.

“We have chosen a path that we believe is fair and reasonable. If they (the students) are citizens and residents of Malaysia, we must support them, but we also accept meritocracy. Regardless of race or region, we can guarantee a place in matriculation for them.

“Our Bumiputera quota will remain unchanged because this decision is related to the Constitution, ensuring the future of Bumiputeras so that there is no disparity. Civil servants must understand that we uphold meritocracy, but we also uphold fairness,” he said in his speech at the Prime Minister's Department (JPM) monthly assembly on Monday.

On Sunday, Anwar announced that all students who obtain 10As and above in the SPM exam will be guaranteed a place in any matriculation programme regardless of race or region, starting this year. The cabinet made this decision on Friday.

Anwar said that although the decision recognises excellence regardless of race and background, the government will also resolutely defend the Bumiputera quota.

“I believe this matter will be explained more thoroughly today. Fadhlina (Minister of Education) will clarify it more clearly,” he said.

He hoped that the announcement regarding the guarantee of matriculation places for SPM holders who obtained 10As and above, regardless of race or background, would help the country recognise every Malaysian who excelled in the examination.

“So, whoever obtains 10As, regardless of race or region, we (the government) guarantee a place in matriculation,” he said.

Anwar said the decision shows that the Madani government is very concerned and wants the country to progress by prioritising the principle of equality, which is the motto of the country's administration.

“Education is the best vehicle to achieve social mobility. The best, the smartest, the brightest should be encouraged, but the poor should not be marginalised,” he said.

Meanwhile, Anwar, in a Facebook post Monday, said in a country which implements a system based on meritocracy, the government emphasises the importance of balancing meritocracy with the principle of justice as fairness, as expressed by Harvard scholar, John Rawls.

“This matter needs to be understood by some elite groups in the city, who talk loudly about meritocracy, but do not think whether it is fair to let students in Manik Urai or Kapit compete with students in Malay College Kuala Kangsar (MCKK) or Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Chung Ling, which are equipped with the best infrastructure.

He cautioned against implementing meritocracy without consideration for fairness, as the poor and marginalised will remain in such a state.

“This is 'The Tyranny of Merit' as argued by the American scholar, Michael Sandel,” he said.

Anwar emphasised that the government today, which promotes the concept of Madani, should be more concerned for the excluded, neglected and marginalised.

He said that meritocracy needs to be defended, that is by giving more opportunities and encouragement to the brightest minds to advance Malaysia, but it must also address the needs of the poor and marginalised.

Uploaded by Lam Seng Fatt