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MIC deputy president M Saravanan has penned an official letter to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek on the number of places offered to Indian students.
A source says this can serve as Nurul Izzah Anwar’s “first litmus test”.
MIC deputy president M Saravanan has formally written to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek seeking a detailed breakdown of the number of Indian students who applied for and were offered places in this year’s matriculation programme.
According to a source, this request could serve as the first major “litmus test” for PKR deputy president hopeful Nurul Izzah Anwar who has publicly committed to championing the rights of the Malaysian Indian community.
She has vowed to correct long-standing issues. The matriculation issue presents a crucial opportunity for her to back words with action,” said the source.
Saravanan’s letter was in response to MIC receiving numerous complaints from Indian students about their matriculation applications being rejected.
“There’s been a lack of clarity regarding matriculation programmes – specifically, how many places were offered, how many students were accepted, and how many offers were declined.
“This lack of transparency has led to numerous complaints from the Indian community,” the source told Malaysiakini.
The source said it is important to remember that many of these students come from the low income B40 environment, where education is the only way out of poverty.
“This situation highlights the community’s concerns about the relevant ministry’s lack of transparency,” the source added.
The letter, sighted by Malaysiakini, was submitted to the Education Ministry in Putrajaya this afternoon.
In the letter, Saravanan noted that former premier Najib Abdul Razak had in 2018 announced an additional 700 matriculation slots for Indian students, bringing the total to 2,200.
“Many students have come to us and called us to voice their grievances that their applications have been unsuccessful,” he added.
Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that MIPP deputy president S Subramaniam questioned the logic behind Nurul’s statement about PKR pushing the government to uplift the Indians.
“Nurul’s statement is most amusing. She said PKR will pressure the government. Nurul, your ‘daddy’ is the president of PKR and the prime minister of Malaysia,” he said.
