SINTOK: Second Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said the higher English standard requirement in the new Malaysia University English Test (MUET) was a good thing.
“English is becoming increasingly important and by 2016 the new MUET requirements will take effect. I feel the Prime Minister’s announcement on the new entry requirements should be applauded.
“However any relaxation of the ruling can be decided by the senate as education is the senate’s purview,” he said.
The new requirement was announced as part of the Budget 2015 to enhance graduate employability and has given rise to some speculation that there may be less entrants at local universities if they don’t obtain the required MUET band.
The minimum English entry requirement will now depend on the field of study and will no longer be the minimum grade of Band 1 as currently required.
Those aiming for Arts and Social Science courses will have to achieve Band 2, while Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics courses must achieve Band 3.
Idris was speaking at the launch of Universiti Utara Malaysia’s U-Assist facility today. The facility functions as a one stop centre for all university students course needs including credit transfers, enrolment, fees and other issues.
“I think facilities like U-Assist is very useful and the fact that all matters are to be handled efficiently and with speed sets an excellent example for other universities to follow suit in providing facilities such as this,” he said.
