Dr Annuar Rapaee, Sarawak’s state Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development recently announced that admission into five state-owned universities in Sarawak will be based solely on meritocracy to pick the best of the best. That is indeed a bold but absolutely right move.
Very often we know what the right thing to do is, but we often lack the courage and will to take even the first step. Every right-thinking person will admit that a nation needs meritocracy as a standard to achieve true progress or success. In a speech given decades ago, Loke Siew Fook (then representing DAPSY) concluded, “A genuine meritocracy system in our universities is the pre-requisite for Malaysia to march forward and stay afloat in the global competitive environment.”
I do agree that we desperately need this change in our education system. However, we must admit that meritocracy involves more than gaining high marks in an exam. Real intelligence is defined by something beyond our exam score. It involves one’s character, emotions and attitudes. Therefore, in considering meritocracy in our education system, we must also gauge each applicant’s attitudes, passions, personality and character. However, there must be a basic plumbline and that, to me, is starting with a great exam score. By passing the first hurdle through a great exam score, one may gain entry into the university. Then comes the other tests to determine and shape positive attitudes and commendable character.
With a system based on merits, students will be forced to compete fairly for the chance to further their education and advance, regardless of race, gender, status or religion. This will actually force many serious contenders to ‘throw off the crutches’ that they have been using and face the real world of great competition where only the best will be honoured. As such, those who are seriously eyeing for such a place will really work very hard to prove themselves in the areas of their academic achievements, character and self-development.
A university or institute of higher learning that has students who are the cream of the crop in the nation will not only be sought after by educators and parents but also investors who are hunting for truly capable people to train for their various industries. Such universities will definitely shine and bring honour to the nation.
May God bless Malaysia with courage and wisdom to move our nation forward!
Mei Wong, Nov 2024
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