The cabinet today decided to allow students sitting for the SPM examination to take 12, instead of 10 subjects.

The decision comes following strong protests from various groups, including MIC, who argued that the 10-subject cap would not bode well for the future of vernacular languages.

Education Minister Muhyiddin Yassin is expected to announce the decision later this afternoon.

In an immediate reaction, MIC president S Samy Vellu lauded the cabinet for making a "correct decision".

"I thank the prime minister and the deputy prime minister for agreeing to our (MIC's) request," he said. 

Yesterday, Samy Vellu had appealed to Najib Abdul Razak to step in and resolve the issue.

"The prime minister has heard and acted on our request," said the MIC president, adding that the cabinet's decision reflected the true spirit of the '1Malaysia' concept.

"The prime minister has understood the feelings of the Indian community. He is a true leader for all Malaysians," he said, adding that Najib should be congratulated for making a bold move.

Resolve issues through negotiations

Samy Vellu said he hoped the issue will be put to rest, and all concerned parties will accept the decision.

"Tamil language and Tamil literature will continue to flourish in this country with the cabinet's decision," he said.

He said that the cabinet's decision proved that all issues can be resolved through negotiations with the government and not through other means.

"We (the MIC) will continue with this (negotiations) on other issues and I am confident that the government under Najib's leadership will strive to do the best for the people of all races," he said.

Samy Vellu also congratulated MIC vice-president Dr S Subramaniam, who is also the human resources minister for securing a solution to the long-standing issue in today’s Cabinet meeting.

Several Indian non-governmental organisations had planned to stage a protest over the issue in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 12.