A total of 14,179 students who sat for the SPM examination last year obtained straight As. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: All students who scored 10As or more in last year鈥檚 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination who apply for places in the matriculation programme will be offered admission, regardless of race or background.The education ministry said this includes students who obtained A- grades.Under the current policy, only students who score a minimum of 10 A+ or A grades are eligible for automatic admission to the matriculation programme, excluding those who achieve 10As with even one A-.In a statement, the ministry said the matter was agreed upon at a Cabinet meeting today and is consistent with an announcement made last year by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.It also confirmed that the existing Bumiputera quota system for the matriculation programme will remain unchanged and will not be affected by today鈥檚 decision.鈥淭his decision is aimed at ensuring that all outstanding SPM 2024 students with 10As are given the opportunity to pursue higher education,鈥 the statement said.鈥淭he government will continue to enhance access to education for the benefit of all students, who are the nation鈥檚 future assets.鈥滱 total of 14,179 students who sat for the SPM examination last year obtained straight As 鈥 the highest number in 11 years 鈥 following the government鈥檚 decision to make passing Bahasa Malaysia and History mandatory.The 14,179 straight-A students represent an increase from the 11,713 recorded in the 2023 SPM results.