For decades, we know that matriculation has provided an easier path for students to get into universities. Asasi or foundation programmes conducted by some universities have also provided an easier path for students to get into certain courses.

Whether we like it or not, we have seen the adverse effect of compromising academic standards on human resource development and professionalism in this country.

Despite the downside risk, apparently the focus of debate today is not on the standard of the matriculation programme, but the need to increase non-Malay participation.

So here are my questions. First, why do we have different university entrance exams based on different standards? Second, are non-Malays also yearning for an easier path to get admitted into universities? And third, what is the implication on the quality of graduates produced in the future?

Have we not noticed that our graduates are finding it more difficult to get jobs? Have we not sometimes doubted their academic vigour and competency?

Have we not argued for ages now that the quality of our graduates is very much suspect? They can’t speak, read or write coherently and they don’t even know how to think critically.

If I am not mistaken, the affirmative action programme is about providing opportunities, never about sacrificing standards. We must provide more opportunities for the Malays and Bumiputeras, but certainly not at the cost of lowering standards and academic vigour. If they fail to meet standards, they must re-study and re-sit the exam until they pass.

So here is my concern: it looks like the non-Malays, too, want to get into a study programme that can provide them with an easier life – less studying and an easier exam.

But what will this lead us to? A handicapped nation where we produce more and more half-baked graduates who are unable to even think for themselves?

I think the debate on our matriculation programme has moved to the wrong trajectory. The right approach is to make the matriculation programme as vigorous and as challenging as other A-level programmes. Let me repeat, affirmative action means providing opportunities, not sacrificing standards.

Sacrificing standards will ruin this nation. It is already the root cause of many of the problems that beset us today, including half-baked ministers holding half-baked degrees. We can ignore or pretend this problem does not exist at our own peril.

TK Chua is an FMT reader.

The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.