The BN government is again cheating the Indian students in the matriculation intake for 2013. As of now I have received more than 100 calls within Ipoh and from all over the country from Indian parents whose children have been denied entry in to Matriculation courses. These children have scored  9As and 10As. The result for matriculation intake was released a few days ago.

Most of the Indian parents who called me come from lower income group. Very large number of parents who called me are lorry drivers, factory workers and ordinary workers.

The quota for Indian intake has been 506 students per year.

Last year the BN government said they were allocating 1000 extra seats for Indian students,  thus totaling 1506 places for the Indian community. I raised in Parliament 3 times the failure to fill the promised 1506 seats as only about 900 total seats were filled. In reply, the government admitted that only about 900 seats were filled up. Who has taken up the balance 600 seats that were stolen from the Indian community?

Now MIC President says the 1506 seats are available and will be filled up. This statement cannot be believed as parents and students (Indians) complain they have been denied entry to do matriculation.

To be transparent and accountable, can the names and IC particulars of all the Indian students, who have been successful in getting places for matriculation, be made available?

Further, the announcement by the prime minister of extra 1000 seats last year is just one special case as this 1000 seats are no more available. Apparently, education ministry officials are saying so when Indian students ask for clarification in PutraJaya.

Anyway, this being an education issue shouldn’t the minister of education be the right person to clarify the matriculation intake issue? Since when MIC president Planivel has been given the power over matriculation intake issues?

There are 26 matriculation colleges in this country and about 28,000 students are admitted yearly. Even if the Indians are given 1506 it is only about 5.3% of the total intake.

Every year the matriculation intake matter become a sensitive and emotional issue among Indian parents.

Pakatan Rakyat promises to solve this anomaly and assist all when we take power.