The National Union of Teaching Profession (NUTP) described the government's decision in suspending the service of two top heads of the Malaysian Examinations Syndicate (LPM) following the leaks in this year's Primary School Achievement Test (UPSR) examination papers as an appropriate and efficient move.
NUTP secretary-general Lok Yim Pheng said the move was important to restore public confidence, especially as it involved almost half a million pupils.
"This is a very quick and efficient move taken by the government, hence proving that it views the matter very seriously.
"However, we hope the government will investigate the root cause of the problem because although suspended, it does not prove that the LPM director and deputy director are guilty," Lok told Bernama here on Friday.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today announced that LPM director Dr Na'imah Ishak and deputy director of operations Dr Wan Ilias Wan Salleh had been suspended with immediate effect until investigations on the leaks of the 2014 UPSR examination papers was completed.
The leaks had resulted in the cancellation of the English and Science papers and the students having to resit the papers on Sept 30.
Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, said Education deputy director-general (Teaching Professionalism Development Sector) Datuk Misrah Ibrahim would take over the duties and responsibilities of the LPM director during the period of suspension.
NUTP also commended Muhyiddin for apologising for the leaks of the examination papers, describing it as a brave and responsible move.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Institute of Integrity Datuk Dr Mohd Tap Salleh said the action taken by the Education Ministry was commendable.
"The suspension is needed to enable detailed investigation to be carried out. This is a big case, so when the investigators want to carry out probe, we have to suspend the service of those involved to enable the investigation to run smoothly. It does not mean that they are guilty, it is just to ease the investigation process," he said.
Mohd Tap said the public should look into the hidden agenda of those who leaked the examination papers instead of pointing their fingers and blaming the government.
"The way those people leaked the examination papers was not by selling it for money, but by disseminating it openly and for free, like they had a hidden agenda," he said.
The Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) Malaysia chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim also agreed with the ministry's move to suspend the two top heads of the LPM.
"I think this is an appropriate move because they must have accountability in discharging their big responsibilities which involve the future of 472,853 pupils who sat for the UPSR examination this year," she said.
She said this was because the incident had also caused so many problems to the parents.
Bernama
Fri Sep 12 2014
The move was important to restore public confidence, especially as it involved almost half a million pupils. - Facebook Photo
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.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.