Reason behind drop in SPM mathematics result to be studied - Muhyiddin

The education ministry will conduct a detailed study to identify the reason behind the weak performance in Mathematics in last year's Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin Thursday.

He said the study would also include the role of the teachers, as well as subject content.

"We want to know why the students were weak and if need be, we will give it more attention," he told a press conference after attending the 'Meet The People' session at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Parish Council in Balingian, about 60km from here.

Muhyiddin, who is also education minister, said apart from Mathematics, he was satisfied with the overall performance of the SPM candidates announced Thursday.

About 13,970 students obtained Grade A (excellent) in the examination last year, as compared to 13,720 in 2012, which was an increase of 0.05 per cent.

Muhyiddin described performance in elective science subjects such as Additional Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Additional Science and Applied Science as quite good.

He said performance in the core subjects such as Bahasa Melayu, English, Islamic Studies, Moral Education, History and Science had also showed improvement.

Education director-general Datuk Dr Khair Mohamad Yusof said the number of candidates who obtained straight As from government schools was 11,892, as compared to 11,648, the year before.

He said he was satisfied with the results which showed 378,490 of the 442,588 candidates obtained full certificates.