An opposition MP has raised concerns over the new Year 4 standardised assessment, arguing that the focus on exams is forcing children to mature too quickly. Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-Indera Mahkota) questioned whether the test would signal a return to a heavily exam-focused system like the abolished UPSR, noting that pupils may now feel pressured to start exam preparation from preschool.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently announced that the assessment will begin this year for Year 4 pupils and in 2027 for Form 3 students. Year 4 pupils will be tested in Bahasa Melayu, English, Science, and Mathematics, while Form 3 students will also sit for History.
Saifuddin also criticised the government for creating separate plans for pre-tertiary and tertiary education, contrasting it with the unified approach under the previous PN-led administration. He urged more time for ministries to provide thorough responses, stressing the importance of coordinated planning for education.
