PH abolishing exams a cause for great concern — Tiong

SIBU: The new education system of the Pakatan Harapan government in abolishing examinations is a cause for great concern.

In a press statement received here yesterday, Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said this was not progress that would take the nation forward.

“I am sad if this new education system in abolishing examinations is implemented; the future of our children will be destroyed.”

He said when the PH government announced of not giving any more tests to Primary 1 to 3 pupils, many parents had expressed worries.

“Many pupils returned home to tell their parents they no longer need to study hard. They have taken it that they would only need to study after Primary 3.”

Tiong said he was puzzled as to why the government had resorted to implement such policy.

He said the PH government first decided that students wore black shoes. Then, they talked about electronic text books.

“Are they saying these so-called revolutionary changes will bring a better future for our children?”

Deputy Minister of Education Teo Nie Ching is herself a mother.

“Does she not agree that children must receive strict education upbringing, and learn to face examinations?” Tiong wondered whether parents had complained this to her.

“For me, I have received many. Parents are worried their children will lack interest in studying if there are no examinations.

“There’s a danger that pupils would spend too much time on games on their handphones.”

He said if their parents kept blaming their children for wasting their time in games, the children would feel there was a lack of understanding, and this would create a generation gap.

“Doesn’t the Education Ministry have a better way to implement the system, or is it that they are just putting on a political show?”

Teo had said the teachers could use alternative methods to replace examinations, like detection and tests.

“But, aren’t these equivalent to examinations? Are these changes necessary?”

Tiong also questioned how a teacher could assess their pupils in their revolutionary changes.

“I am not criticising the teachers. I feel the system is improper. There must be a more practical and fair system to assess the pupils and their progress.”