There is no need to postpone the SPM examination - PIBGN

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Parents and Teachers Association (PIBGN) Consensus Council sees no need to postpone the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and other major examinations.

Its president, Associate Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Ali Hasan, said despite the various challenges facing students at this time, the time given is sufficient for them to prepare for the important examination on a set date.

"I think if you want to shift (SPM date) it will worry them. We are also not sure whether the transmission of COVID-19 will recover or not, the flood problem is also uncertain in the future.

"The important thing is to be ready, disciplined and strengthen the determination to take on challenges," he told Astro AWANI on Thursday.

He commented on the SPM candidates who expressed concern on social media in sitting for the exam and some suggested that it be postponed to another date.

Previously, the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) revised the examination date of SPM, Sijil Vokasional Malaysia (SVM) and Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) to 22 February 2021.

He added that the challenges faced by students at this time are not only in Malaysia, but all around the world.

"I believe the MOE is carefully considering the postponement and date of admission of students for this examination. I think it will complicate the situation (if delayed) because new students also need to be enrolled," he said.

He hopes that parents will play an important role in motivating the spirit of their children who will sit for the important exam.

"Parents must also understand that they need to face the challenges together with their children.

"Provide guidance and support to students who will take the exam. With encouragement, students will be able to overcome the challenges and readiness to sit for the exam," he added.

Similarly, the President of the National Union of Teaching Services (NUTP), Aminuddin Awang also saw the postponement of the SPM date as an interruption to the journey of students and schools.

At the same time, it will pose a shortage of teachers for teaching, classrooms and other logistics issues.

"We also need to look into other aspects, in terms of the management at school level if the SPM date is changed, This year there are two SPM candidates for 2020 and 2021.

"So if you look in terms of policy, if the SPM 2020 candidates have been in school for a long time, then we do not have sufficient teachers, and if the postponement is made for SPM 2020, Form 2 and 3 students will not be able to enter schools because the school will experience a shortage of classes and other logistics aspects," he added.

NUTP is also confident that teachers will be able to guide SPM candidates, as there will be about a month before the actual examination.

"When the school opens on January 20, and the examination date remains the same, Form 5 teachers and students will have more than a month to prepare, as well as the teachers will be able to provide effective and robust teaching and learning. Therefore, no issues on SPM postponement," he added.