Malayalam is compulsory for graduation at four IPTS of Sarawak

KUCHING, 14 Oct: All students in four private higher education institutions (IPTS) owned by the Government of Sarawak are required to attend and pass the subject of Malay as a condition for awarding bachelor's degree including holders of Unified Testing Certificate (UEC).

Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development of Sarawak, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said that UEC holders are not required to have a Malay language credential at the Malaysian Certificate of Teaching (SPM) level as a condition for admission to the IPTS concerned, subject to applicable admission rules.

"However, the easing of admission requirements does not mean that the students concerned are exempted from studying Malayalam throughout their studies", he said at a press conference at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex, today.

According to him, students who did not obtain a Malay language honours at SPM level must take and pass the National Language A (MPU 3212) subject in order to meet the requirements before being eligible for awarding degrees.

"Malaya language remains compulsory. The difference is that the Malay language proficiency requirements for certain students are met at both undergraduate and graduate levels, rather than being made into an entry requirement", he said.

Dr Annuar explained that the lack of praise for Bahasa Melayu at SPM level does not necessarily prevent UEC holders from entering Sarawak Government IPTS.

"However, they still have to meet the Malay language requirements set throughout their studies before being eligible for a degree", he explained. - TVS