THE University of Malaya (UM) has clarified that a recent call by its student group, the New Youth Association of University Malaya (UMANY), to abolish the matriculation system in favour of a single Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) pathway does not represent the university’s official position.
UM Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Ir Dr Noor Azuan Abu said the statement by UMANY had sparked public debate on education policy and the role of institutions of higher learning. However, he stressed that there remains public confusion between individual or student group opinions and the official stance of a university.
“Freedom of expression on campus is vital to cultivating intellectual and critical debate, and UM recognises such expressions as part of the values of intellectualism,” he said.
Nonetheless, he cautioned that this freedom must be exercised with responsibility, especially when public statements may affect the sensitivities surrounding national policy, or create misunderstanding and tension among the public and stakeholders.
UM defended the existing matriculation system as a proven mechanism for widening access to higher education for students from various backgrounds. The university noted that Malaysia, as a multi-ethnic and geographically diverse nation, faces the unique challenge of ensuring equitable access to education.
“UM’s position is clear: higher education institutions must exercise care in articulating views or being associated with national education policies,” the statement read.
At the same time, UM acknowledged the importance of ongoing public discourse and policy evaluation.
“The government and society must continue to engage in dialogue and assess policies such as the matriculation programme, so that educational justice can be truly achieved—without compromising quality or introducing new forms of inequity,” it added. - September 13, 2025
