Telling sign of a certain psyche

THE letter “Error in reading exam question” ( The Star, Nov 9) has elicited much attention and highlighted a myriad of issues as reflected in the views expressed, which ranged from attributing the error to exam pressure to analysing the tone of the question, and whether students who did not give the required answer should be penalised to giving some leeway and not be too harsh them. While all the views expressed have their own merit, the issue itself reflects the Malaysian psyche on scoring A+ in public exams.

There is agreement that the question itself was not flawed as it contained key words arranged in the most appropriate manner, the intention revolving around “move to another part of Malaysia and where would you choose to live”, the key words being “move” and “Malaysia”.

One can always find a “Better way of phrasing the exam question” (Nov 11) but that borders on language gymnastics and completely misses the point of what happened in this specific episode.

In previous instances, examiners were naturally, and sometimes unfairly, blamed for setting ambiguous or misleading questions. This was not the case in this instance and it would be best to let the Education Ministry settle the matter.

But why did some students choose a country abroad when faced with the option of “having the opportunity to move”? Why, as if by reflex action, would a foreign country immediately spring into the mind of these students?

This is most telling especially when the proper noun “Malaysia” is clearly stated. It looks like there was a psychological momentary blindness which obliterated Malaysia from their thought radar.

In psychology, the Gestalt phenomenon explains how we make sense of what is around us based on our life experiences. This reflects our thinking and affects how we interpret and evaluate our environment and our pursuant actions.

This is most disturbing. Perhaps the Education Ministry should further carve out the results to see which spectrum of students misread the question. Is it a minority? Are they from urban or suburban surroundings? It is difficult to envisage that students from a rural setting would have chosen a foreign country to move to.

It would appear that those who are better educated and have benefited most from this country in terms of education and careers have, sublimely or otherwise, ingrained in their offspring to do well in academics and move on or “migrate” to other countries, hence the mindset to look abroad and to answer the question as such.

If given an opportunity to move, it is interpreted in the subconscious mind that it should be abroad and not within the country. It is based on perceived rich pastures in foreign lands.

The negativity in comments criticising all and sundry, especially the Government, in many households and society at large, has bred this potentially toxic atmosphere that this country does not have very much to offer smart, ambitious and bold young Malaysians.

Politicians and extremists have to share a large part of the blame for creating this unhealthy climate which allows animosity to fester. This has to be eradicated for Malaysia to be a better place.

Negative spins, misinformation, disinformation and fake news are prevalent to such a degree that it is extremely difficult to separate fact from fallacy. Terms like failed state, economic dysfunction, bigotry, intolerance and a host of others serve to confuse the younger generation, leading to the notion that Malaysia may not be where they should be.

Malaysia is not experiencing uncontrolled inflation, depleted resources, crumbling infrastructure, unabated crime or on the verge of economic collapse but there are many fronts on which more can be done to improve.

The younger generation should appreciate what the future holds. The TN50 initiative reflects planning for the future. The current exhibition at Dataran Merdeka on infrastructure will be an eye opener as it sets the stage for what is to come.

Misreading the question, whatever the reasons may be, is just the tip of the iceberg. It, however, serves to reinforce the reality of life. We need to be discerning and incisive in understanding what is presented and expected of us.

One must remember that there is a heavy price to pay for incorrect interpretations leading to wrong choices.

WALTER SANDOSAM Kuala Lumpur