KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 – The government has decided to abolish the Primary School Achievement Test (UPSR) while the Form Three Assessment (PT3) was canceled for this year, and according to the Education Minister’s statement, the abolition was done as a result of 1,700 teachers, parents and students’ associations decision.

On the part of teachers, it may justify because they need a lot of time in school to complete the syllabus and other subjects.

As for the parents, they need to focus on their children facing the UPSR as some have limited time while students as 7 years old got to attend tuition.

UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is of the view that when the abolition is implemented, it must be done effectively. This is necessary after taking account the best mechanism and assessment before students enter secondary or full boarding school.

“For Form 4 students, what is the mechanism needed to divide them into science, accounting, commerce and other streams?

“I understand that as at now, the method used is the strengthening of School-Based Assessment (PBS) and Special School Admission Assessment (PKSK). But what is more important is to avoid another flip flop as had happened to the Home Teaching and Learning (PdPR) under Movement Control Order (PKP).

Zahid also reviewed several comments on social media that agreed with the repeal.

“It is hoped that this abolition will be the beginning and reduction of the dependency of the examination system as an assessment.

“Evaluation should not be focused on cognitive alone but other domains. In simple language, improve the basic skills to produce excellent human capital. The best attention should be given to every student so that none of them will become dropout.”