SHAH ALAM: Abolishing the Primary School Achievement Test (UPSR) in 2021 was the right thing to do, says Datuk Dr Radzi Md Jidin.
The former education minister stressed that the decision to abolish UPSR was to preserve children’s potential instead of allowing society to compare them through the number of As that they achieved.
The Bersatu vice-president elaborated that extensive engagement sessions were held across the nation and included various stakeholders such as teachers, students and parents.
“Yes, the UPSR was abolished during my time (as the Education Minister) but it wasn’t done on a whim.
“We held engagement sessions from Perlis to Sabah and discussed with principals, parent-teacher associations (PTAs) and teachers who are both directly and indirectly involved. The students were also consulted,” he said.
Radzi said this in his winding-up speech at the Bersatu annual general meeting held at the Ideal Convention Centre here on Sunday (Dec 1).
The Putrajaya MP added that abolishing UPSR had a solid foundation and framework where it was thoroughly discussed in meetings.
He said the ministry also reviewed the cultural pressures that came with the exams especially when parents were asked about their children’s results.
“Everyone including their neighbours, colleagues would call to check how many As did the child get - when the child only obtained 6Bs.
“Such a situation could kill off the child’s potential way earlier, when in fact they still have decades more in their future (to improve),” he added.
Radzi also added that stakeholders must focus on identifying the potential of students as early as age 10 even though the UPSR exams were abolished.
“We want to identify students’ potential as early as Year Four. If they face difficulties at that stage, we can work on it in Year Five, and again in Year Six if needed, preparing them for secondary school.
“Unfortunately, this broader framework is not visible today. The minister is only addressing minor issues,” he said.
