Putra Jaya : Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim reminded Malaysians that while meritocracy should be upheld to encourage the brightest and best, we must not forget those who are poor and marginalised.
“During this morning’s monthly meeting with the staff of the Prime Minister’s Department, I addressed the Cabinet’s recent decision to guarantee that Certificate of Education Malaysia (SPM) graduates who achieve 10A and above will be granted places in matriculation programs nationwide. However, the Government has also decided to maintain the Bumiputera quota, as stipulated by Article 153 of the Constitution, to prevent disparity and secure the future of the Malay and Bumiputera communities. While we support a merit-based system, this Government remains committed to upholding justice, or the principle of ‘Justice as Fairness’ as articulated by Harvard scholar John Rawls” Anwar posted on his facebook page.
“It is crucial to understand that some urban elites vocally advocate for meritocracy without considering the fairness of expecting students from rural areas to compete with those from well-equipped schools. If meritocracy is implemented indiscriminately, the poor and marginalized will remain in their plight. The current Government, which upholds the MADANI vision, must be attentive to those who are marginalized and neglected. While meritocracy should be upheld to encourage the brightest and best, we must not forget those who are poor and marginalised” Anwar further noted.
