PETALING JAYA, 18 May 2009: DAP Youth (Dapsy) has called for the setting up of a special committee to review all appeals by SPM 2008 high achievers who failed to receive Public Service Department (JPA) scholarships.
“If this issue is not resolved quickly and effectively, it will negatively impact the ‘1Malaysia’ philosophy touted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak,” said Dapsy chief Loke Siew Fook in a memorandum to the prime minister today.
“It will appear that the government does not appreciate the excellent human capital in our country,” Loke added.
The memorandum, which contained of four recommendations, was handed to an aide in the Prime Minister’s Department in Putrajaya this morning. The recommendations are:
1. The formation of a special committee, which will consist of several cabinet ministers, to review all appeals by SPM 2008 high achievers who failed to receive JPA scholarships;
2. That the number of JPA scholarships this year be increased, if necessary;
3. That the government review the entire JPA scholarship selection process, including the setting up of an independent body to handle the scholarship programme. This body would oversee selection criteria and an interview system.
4. That the Education Ministry limit SPM sitters to taking a maximum of only 10 subjects, so that all students are fairly evaluated.
“All (JPA scholarship) applicants should receive a full report on the status of their scholarship, to ensure transparency,” Loke added. 
