It is unnecessary for pupils to re-sit the allegedly tough Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) Chinese language test paper, said Deputy Education Minister Chong Sin Woon.
This was because the Malaysian Examinations Syndicate explained that the Standard Six pupils had the capability to answer the questions, he added.
Chong had met the syndicate following complaints from many parents and teachers that the UPSR Chinese comprehension paper had used excerpts from Chinese classical literature used in the Malaysian secondary school syllabus.
He said syndicate officials had explained to him at a meeting two days ago that the question paper was set based on the existing procedure in the education ministry besides taking into account the pre-test conducted in schools.
"The questions can be answered by our pupils. I wish to reiterate that there is no need for the pupils to re-sit the exam,” he told reporters after launching the “School Interaction System (SIS)” at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Kembangan here today.
Chong, who is also MCA Youth chief, said however that he did not agree with the use of elements of Chinese language which Malaysian pupils were unfamiliar with.
“There is a difference in some elements of Chinese language used in Malaysia, China, Taiwan or Hong Kong. As such, do not have to adopt the standard used in China but have one suitable for Malaysia," he said.
He said this was discussed with the syndicate officials and they would raise it with the syndicate to make the necessary adjustments for future examinations.
On SIS, Chong said the ministry welcomed he initiative taken by SMK Seri Kembangan and EMM Education Technology Sdn Bhd to develop a system to monitor the attendance and discipline of students at school.
He said the SIS, the first system to be used in the secondary school in Malaysia, was a platform that enabled the principal, teachers, students and parents to communicate effectively in managing and monitoring students.
"The use of the ICT technology will help the school management, reduce the burden of teachers and does not impose a financial burden on parents. As such, there is no objection for schools to implement it," he said.
SIS will be implemented next month at SMK Seri Kembangan, which has an enrolment of 3,350, at a cost of RM2.50 per student (first schoolgoing child) and RM1.25 (second schoolgoing child), to monitor the attendance of students.
The absence of the students will trigger an SMS to inform parents. Besides, parents can access the electronic report card of their children at any time to monitor their work at school.
Bernama
Fri Sep 18 2015
He said syndicate officials had explained to him at a meeting two days ago that the question paper was set based on the existing procedure.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.