MCA Youth views with serious concern the intention by the Ministry of Education (MoE) to study the possible revival of the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) and Pentaksiran Tingkatan Tiga (PT3) examinations. This move once again highlights the government's lack of consistency in education policy. When policies are repeatedly reversed, it is not the system that suffers first, but our children, and ultimately, the future of the nation. 

The government abolished UPSR in 2021 and PT3 in 2022, replacing both with School-Based Assessment (SBA). Yet only a few years later, it is already questioning whether these examinations should be restored. Such abrupt shifts send mixed signals to students, parents and teachers, creating uncertainty and undermining confidence in the education system.

It cannot be stressed enough that children must never be treated as experimental subjects, and education policy is not a trial-and-error exercise. Any reform must be based on sound data, credible research and comprehensive consultation, and should only be implemented once it is proven to be practical and sustainable. Constantly abolishing and reviving policies conveys the message that decisions are being made hastily rather than responsibly.

It must also be noted that students who entered Primary One in 2021 have yet to complete even one full education cycle. Without allowing sufficient time to properly assess the long-term impact of abolishing UPSR and PT3, it is premature and irresponsible to consider reversing these decisions.

When UPSR and PT3 were abolished, the MoE would have assured the public that the decision was made after careful and thorough evaluation. If the government is now contemplating their reinstatement, it must demonstrate that the reasons are stronger, more evidence-based and more compelling than those previously presented. Policies that shift with changing opinions or short-term pressure will only result in instability, repeatedly disrupting students' learning paths.

The MoE needs to provide clear, consistent and long-term direction in education policymaking. Until the effectiveness of school-based assessment has been comprehensively reviewed and at least one full education cycle completed, there should be no hasty policy reversals. Stability, clarity and accountability are essential to safeguarding our children's future.

Saw Yee Fung
MCA Youth Secretary General

9 January 2026

-MCA Comm-