UPSR: Education Ministry investigates claim that use of bilingual not allowed

The Malaysian Examination Board (LPM) has been instructed to investigate into a claim that Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) candidates in several Chinese national-type schools in Penang were not allowed to give their answers in English and Malay.

Second Education Minister Senator Chong Sin Woon said there was no circular or instruction issued by the ministry on the matter.

"The instruction from the ministry is the same as in previous years. As of yesterday, there is no change in the policy saying that we do not allow UPSR candidate to give their answers in bilingual.

"We have instructed LPM to investigate," he told reporters at SJKC Khai Mun here today.

Chong said he had sought clarification on the claim from a chief invigilator at one of the schools concerned and was told that the instruction was for the UPSR candidate to answer only in Bahasa Malaysia.

"I have also asked the State Education Director to clarify the matter to avoid confusion among the candidates,” he added.

He said measures had been taken by the ministry to prevent leak of UPSR exam questions, including tightening the procedures involved.

A total of 455, 929 candidates nationwide sat for the UPSR which began today.