He said the ministry’s actions had disrespected Parliament.

“I am disappointed by the refusal of the education ministry to cooperate with us in providing an explanation on issues that concern public interest and the future of the country’s education system.

“Whatever reason given by the minister is not reasonable, and the ministry’s actions have belittled Parliament.

“It is also disrespectful to the people who want the ministry to provide explanations in Parliament,” said the Simpang Renggam MP and former education minister.

According to Malaysiakini, Maszlee said he was told by the ministry that it was not allowed by the Cabinet to appear before the committee.

The committee had summoned the ministry to appear before it in a meeting today after it received complaints on the issue of recycled SPM examination questions.

Maszlee also said the ministry’s action might fuel public perceptions that it was trying to hide something.

“The refusal of the minister and his representatives to appear (before the committee) has also created a perception that the ministry is afraid to face Parliament and is being unprofessional in carrying out its responsibilities.

“We would like to apologise to parents, SPM candidates and teachers who had asked the committee to get explanations from the ministry’s leadership. We have tried our best to represent your voices and the voices of the masses.

“Sadly, the ministry has disrespected the people’s voice,” he said.

On April 8, it was reported that several parties had urged the ministry and the Malaysian Examinations Board to respond to allegations that the Bahasa Melayu examination questions in the second session were said to be identical to the first session that had been shared widely.

The second session was for students who were unable to sit for the paper due to Covid-19 and the recent floods, as well as those who were given special exemption by the director of examinations.