Maszlee: MUET won’t be part of SPM

The Malaysian University English Test (MUET) module won’t be included in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).

MUET, an English language competency examination taken by local students as a requirement to enter local public and private universities, is different from the SPM, Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik said.

“Both are separate. MUET is about whether you qualify. We already have English in the SPM.

“There’s no need to burden students further.

“Have some pity on our children,” he said when asked about abolishing MUET.

It was reported in a Malay daily yesterday that MUET was stressful and a financial burden on students.

MUET components – listening, speaking, reading and writing – could be included in the SPM, the report read.

Maszlee added that unlike the SPM, MUET was not a once-a-year exam.

“Both are very different. (For example) there are A-Levels and O-Levels, but we still have the International English Language Testing System proficiency test to enter university,” he told reporters after closing the Kesatuan GuruGuru Melayu Malaysia Barat seminar here yesterday.

In his speech, Maszlee said a world-class education largely depends on the quality of teachers.

And this could only happen with a high-quality career package for teachers.

“We’re in the midst of reviewing this but it’s not just about salary and allowances.

“It’s also about enjoying the job,” Maszlee said, adding that a discussion would be held with teachers on Higher Order Thinking Skills.