Kuala terengganu: Admission to public higher education institutions (IPTA) via the Unit Pusat Universiti (UPU) Online continues to be based on the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), as confirmed by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Zambry stated that the government, through a Cabinet decision, has determined that the fundamental requirement for admission to higher education institutions via UPU Online is the SPM, irrespective of the stream or type of school attended. He emphasized that the government's decision is unwavering, ensuring that admission to any IPTA is based on SPM results. This decision aligns with the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE)'s management of schools, while university admissions are handled through UPU Online.

Dr Zambry further elaborated that the ministry refrains from basing university admissions on certificates or systems outside the existing framework. He reiterated that the SPM is the core requirement for entering UPU and IPTA. Despite some controversy from certain groups regarding the sufficiency of these opportunities, Dr Zambry maintained that the education policy's foundation remains that university entry must be SPM-based.

Addressing concerns about alleged discrimination against students from religious and pondok schools, Dr Zambry clarified that the government does not discriminate against any group. He stated that all students are subject to the same basic requirement of sitting for the SPM examination to pursue tertiary education. He refuted claims of manipulation, asserting that different schools are not being unfairly compared as they operate under distinct systems.

Dr Zambry acknowledged differing opinions on the policy but emphasized that the government's stance remains firm, with SPM being the primary criterion for university admission in the country.