The higher education ministry said Kota Kemuning assemblyman S Preakas seemed to have misunderstood the structure of the education system when he called on the ministry to explain why a student who scored 11As in SPM was unable to secure a spot in the matriculation programme.

“Preakas’s remarks are misleading,” the ministry said in a statement.

“The higher education ministry is being blamed over a matter that falls entirely under the jurisdiction of the education ministry.

“The matriculation programme is administered by the education ministry, not the higher education ministry. The higher education ministry is not involved in the selection process, or offers for admission into the matriculation programme.

“It is inaccurate and irresponsible to link the higher education ministry (to the issue) and to urge the higher education minister to intervene in the matter as it is not within the ministry’s jurisdiction.”

The ministry also expressed regret that key issues affecting students’ futures were being used to target certain parties without proper verification.

Preakas said yesterday a student who scored 11As in SPM was offered a place at a polytechnic after reportedly failing to secure a spot in the matriculation programme.

The DAP assemblyman pointed out that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim previously said students who obtain 10As and above, regardless of race or background, would be guaranteed placement in the matriculation programme.

He raised concerns about the transparency of the matriculation programme’s admission system and called on the higher education ministry and its minister, Zambry Abdul Kadir, to provide a detailed explanation regarding the matter.