Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education (Magpie) also expressed disappointment with education minister Fadhlina Sidek and her predecessor Radzi Jidin for passing the buck to one another on the abolition of the UPSR and PT3 examinations.
UPSR was abolished in 2021 while PT3 was cancelled that same year and officially abolished in 2022, during Radzi’s tenure as education minister.
Magpie chairman Mak Chee Kin said the finger-pointing suggested that Fadhlina viewed the move as a mistake.
“The message we’re getting from Fadhlina is that UPSR (and PT3) should not have been abolished, but she doesn’t have the courage to correct it,” he told FMT.
Mak also called for education ministers with expertise in the field who were free from political affiliations.
“This will ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of our children, not just to gain popularity or secure votes,” he said.
He added that intervention programmes and the new academic session final test or UASA failed to address parents’ concerns about declines in student motivation.
“The minister must acknowledge that school-based assessments have significant weaknesses in measuring student performance,” he said, suggesting term-based assessments from Year 4 to foster continuous learning.
Hasnah Toran of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia said Fadhlina, as head of a challenging portfolio, should respond professionally to criticism with evidence from research and consultations.
“Engagement sessions with experts and academics have already provided information and considerations on why these exams were abolished, so present those arguments.
“Don’t just make off-the-cuff statements,” she said.
Hasnah also proposed a dedicated committee to assist the education ministry in the more systematic implementation of new policies.
“When the ministry rolls out a new policy, it often feels abrupt. It should be done in an orderly manner, not rushed,” she said.
“In my view, we need a committee to help the education ministry raise awareness and understanding for teachers and parents about new systems before they are enforced.”