In lauding Sarawak for its progressive decision regarding education reform, Zaid Ibrahim said there is a need to shift towards a fair, merit-based system in education that fosters pride in individual achievement.

“If we can start with no quotas in higher education, we can slowly introduce a merit-based policy in other places,” he said in a posting on X (formerly Twitter) today.

Yesterday, Sarawak deputy education, innovation and talent development minister Dr Annuar Rapaee said admission into five state-owned universities will be based solely on meritocracy to “pick the best of the best”

The five universities are Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Curtin University Malaysia, University of Technology Sarawak, i-CATS University College, and Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak.

To ensure that rural students can gain admission to these institutions, Annuar said the Sarawak government is upgrading educational facilities and allocating RM15 million annually to provide free tuition for Form 3 and Form 5 students.

In contrast, at the federal level, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim previously said that the quota system should be retained to maintain racial balance.

Zaid said concerns about rural and underprivileged students competing fairly should be met with an increase in scholarships and support.

“But the students must be aware that they must study hard to be admitted to the universities. Why should they work hard if they know they can be enrolled with lower grades?” he said.

He went on to say that while the government is responsible for providing enough facilities to level the playing field, it is not their job to guarantee specific outcomes in all endeavours.

“The government’s job is to assure all Malaysians that they have a promising future if they work hard.”

Zaid also said the overall goal should be to allow the most capable individuals to benefit from such efforts.