SIBU: The Federal Ministry of Education (MOE) must have a clear and comprehensive National Education Framework in ensuring students would not be affected by constant policy adjustments.
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth Central chairman, Cr Kevin Lau Kor Jie, in responding to the possibility of bringing back the UPSR and PT3 examination, said the announcement made by the Minister of Education, Fadhlina Sidek might give the impression that the education system lacked a clear direction.
He said without clear details and timeline, it was a real cause for concern and might further create uncertainty among parents and teachers.
“Education policy requires long-term planning to create a coherent roadmap in preparing students for a complex world. Students cannot afford to be affected by repeated policy adjustments,” he pointed out in a statement issued here yesterday (Jan 10).
Fadhlina recently announced that a study would be conducted by the National Education Advisory Council on the possibility of bringing back the UPSR and PT3 examinations.
Lau, who is also SUPP Bawang Assan chairman, believed that it was paramount that immediate focus be given to strengthening the teachers which included improving continuous professional training and, equally important, reducing non-teaching workload caused by excessive administrative duties.
He said by doing so, teachers would have more time and energy to focus on classroom teaching as well as co-curricular activities, which were essential for the holistic development of the students.
“In the event that changes or adjustments are made to the national syllabus, the MOE must also strengthen early intervention and targeted remedial programmes for young primary school students to ensure that every child can read, write and count well.
“This is a crucial step in building strong learning foundations, enabling students to progress confidently and be better prepared for future learning,” he said.
He said in Sarawak, the state government had played a strong role in driving the Dual Language Programme (DLP), placing emphasis on English, Mathematics and Science and carrying out its own assessments.
He stressed that this reflected a clear and forward-looking direction in developing the talent pool, especially in preparing the youth for future industries, including green energy and a more resilient economy.
“We are living in a fast-moving and highly competitive world. The strength of our education system today will determine the industrial and economic competitiveness of our nation tomorrow.
“Therefore, education reforms must be consistent, well-planned and focused on long-term outcomes, with clear details and transparent methods of implementation so that parents and educators can have confidence in the system,” he said.
Lau also said that SUPP Youth firmly believed that policy stability, strong teacher support, early intervention and equal access to quality education, especially for rural and under-resourced communities, must remain at the core of any education reform.
