KUCHING: The Sarawak Bumiputera Teachers Union (KGBS) is deeply dismayed by the actions of secondary students who submitted their blank exam papers, as revealed by a teacher in Peninsular Malaysia recently.
Its president Zulkiflee Sebli said it was sad to see that students had taken their education lightly.
“The dream of being wealthy (by being an influencer on social media) could be the reason why they neglect to complete their schooling successfully. This desire for quick wealth will surely lead to their downfall if their dreams or aspirations fail.
“Thus, students need to be aware that knowledge goes hand in hand with education. Education without knowledge will also end in failure. So both must be aligned and taken seriously,” he told New Sarawak Tribune when contacted today (Feb 6).
Zulkiflee was prompted for comments following a report that the majority of Form Two students have left their examination paper blank recently.
He added influencers on social media did not achieve success overnight as they already have millions of followers and are not new to social media.
“You can become a social media celebrity, but do not neglect your education,” he said.
Zulkiflee also advised students that Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) is crucial in charting their future direction.
“SPM is a stepping stone for them to step further towards success and guarantee livelihood in the future.
“Imagine one day, without SPM and what would they get if there were restrictions on social media usage in our country or the world?
“Surely, to find a job without an SPM certificate would be a fierce competition. Only then will they realize the mistakes they made before,” he said.
He added that the students have a chance to rectify their mistakes and set their direction after the SPM results are released.
“Parents also need to play a role as the primary advisors to their children. The role of the school’s counseling teachers is also crucial in making them aware of career opportunities after completing their schooling with the condition of passing SPM,” he said.
Meanwhile, it was previously reported that a Malaysian teacher has highlighted that in his class of 32 students, more than half submitted blank exam papers.
The report said the teacher who posted the matter on X, formerly known as Twitter, revealed that 90 per cent out of the 32 students who sat for the Ujian Akhir Sesi Akedemik (UASA) history test have left the papers unanswered.
“What is your ambition right after finishing SPM examinations? Students: To be influencers. The rest is history,” the teacher said in the post which has been deleted.
