Assignment 3

Repeal PMR, Format UPSR to be changed from 2016: Muhyiddin

Beginning in the year of 2016, the UPSR students needed to follow the changes in the grade of national education system.

We are now on the track to improve education system by doing decision on repealing of PMR examination as well as revising new format of UPSR examination in order to maintain well performance among students.

“The Lower Secondary Assessment (PMR) and the Primary School Achievement Test (UPSR) will have a new format,” said Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, The Sun, 10 Oct 2010)

He said the PMR examination for Form Three students will be replaced with a school-based assessment.

Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, said the UPSR examination for Year Six students, 60% of the foundation for academic achievement, while 40% of the results are attributed to extra-curricular activities.

“The discussion of the proposal will be brought to the Cabinet, the Ministry of Education will announce the related details once get approval,” he mentioned. (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, China Press, 10 Oct 2010)

The Deputy Education Minister, Wee Ka Siong said the government had made references from different point of views before doing decision on repealing of PMR start from 2016.

“The repealing of PMR did not cause much controversy as the public agreed that SPM should be the only examination in secondary school.” (Wee Ka Siong, China Press, 10 Oct 2010)

“Students might not even have chance to enhance their learning problems if both examinations are being repealed as they needed to wait for 11 years to sit for the SPM.” (Wee Ka Siong, China Press, 10 Oct 2010)

However, there was another point of view against the decision on repealing of PMR which some of them might be questioned about the improvement in academic without sitting for PMR.

The National Union of Teaching Profession secretary, General Lok Yim Pheng said it is not a rational decision on repealing of PMR since the Form One, Form Two and Form Three students are unable to identify their capability without sitting for examination.

“There should be a categorization into three categories among students who from primary school as the first category provided for those who are excellent in academic results.” (Lok Yim Pheng, Sin Chew Daily, 10 Oct 2010)

“The second category provided for higher level, technical and vocational subjects while the third category provided for basic learning skills such as car repairing, computer, cooking or sewing.” (Lok Yim Pheng, Sin Chew Daily, 10 Oct 2010)

“This can reduce the truancy rates and disciplinary problems among students; there is another learning chance provided for those students who are not interested in academic.” (Lok Yim Pheng, Sin Chew Daily, 10 Oct 2010)