Government Scholarship Ratio

A shouting match over the PSD scholarship ratio erupted after Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, announced that the new Public Service Department scholarships would go to students of all races, religions and economic status. AS the government unveiled a scholarship scheme for top Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia students, the 55:45 scholarship ratio between Bumiputeras and non-Bumiputeras became a point of arguement in the house.

However, as he detailed the new scheme, Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak) interjected to say that he was against the current scholarship ratio as it purportedly compromised the rights of Bumiputeras guaranteed under the constitution. Two opposition MPs described Tajuddin's statement as racist because it did not consider the plight of poor Chinese and Indians. This was because any use of economic status as a yardstick would discourage the best minds from staying in the country.

The new ratio was introduced last year to replace the previous quota of 90 per cent for Bumiputeras and 10 per cent for non-Bumiputeras. With the 55:45 scholarship ratio, clearly shows government realise that they need to create more opportunity to minorities. It’s important to ensure every Malaysian citizen regardless of races get equal chances to further their studies in critical courses. I hope goverment will be more open minded in higher education field in future, not only in PSD scholarships but also public universities intake.

Datuk Seri Mohammad Nazri Abdul Aziz: "if they score 15As, we will just close our eyes and let them have the scholarships".