LETTER | Merit is not equal to academic excellence

LETTER | The current coronavirus pandemic is changing the world and social status drastically. The economies of most countries are experiencing a sharp fall and the unemployment and bankruptcy rates will continue to rise.

Both high-income white-collar workers and low-income blue-collar workers across industries are badly affected, with no exception. Many highly qualified and experienced individuals were forced to switch to labour-intensive jobs, such as Grab drivers, to sustain their financial needs.

Throughout the education journey, most parents only place great emphasis on the academic excellence and extracurricular performances to ensure their kids can get the "admission ticket" to enter prestigious schools in order to gain the advantage in the future employment opportunities.

Certainly, students in prestigious schools have the advantage of getting priority, better resources and opportunities as compared to students from an ordinary school background. Paradoxically, the Malaysian Ministry of Education's Graduate Tracer Study shows that nearly 60 percent of college graduates remain unemployed one year after graduation and 55 percent of these unemployed graduates are degree holders.

The meritocracy system that we pursue is a highly competitive system, with an uneven competition ground. The non-inclusive system excludes individuals that do not meet the merit criteria and the social norms. The future of the students is filtered through a rather mechanical testing system, such as the Malaysian Higher School Certificate (STPM).

Those who stand out in this system are so-called "elites" and will be rewarded with special privileges. However, sadly, students who do not meet the social expectations will be marginalised and labelled as bad apples or the weaker links in society.

Without a doubt, all parents wish that their children can be successful and have the best in their life. Therefore, parents will try all means to send their children to the best school they can afford, hoping that their children can win at the starting line.

Under such a social competitive system, children are also enrolled in various tuition classes and extracurricular activities in order to meet the expectations of the meritocracy system. Unfortunately, such system obliterates many possibilities for innovation and creativity, as well as leads to "factory model education".

'A narrow concept of success'

On the other hand, our stereotype of being successful under the meritocracy system is a narrow concept of success. It is merely based on an individual's efforts and talents that meet a fraction part of the social expectations.

Therefore, when we simplify the concept of being successful into a system based on academic excellence, we need to ask, "Is the system balanced and effective?" Clearly, the development and operation of a society cannot rely solely on a minority of people, the so-called elite, but requires the effort and participation of everyone.

I believe that "Merit is not equal to academic excellence". So, let us not allow our distorted social expectations to obliterate other talents and achievements. I think this is a glass ceiling that hinders social growth. This invisible social rule is a great barrier, stopping people who have different types of talent to contribute. It also deepens the crack between social classes.

Having said that, the Covid-19 pandemic has reshuffled the system that we have accustomed to and gives us a rare opportunity to rethink what is being successful and how can we build a more inclusive society.

I do not deny that people who are talented and hardworking should be valued, as I believe "to whom much is given, much is required". However, a progressive and healthy society requires talents and achievements from all fields.

The distorted understanding of meritocracy is neocolonialism that will lead to the inequality of opportunity and eventually widen the income and social gaps. As such, I believe an inclusive society is the foundation for creating a fairer and progressive society. An inclusive society respects, accepts and appreciates diversity and differences.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.