KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry is open to discussions with the Sarawak government and state Education department on Sarawak's plan to introduce its own assessment examination for Year 6 pupils in government schools.
Its minister, Fadhlina Sidek expressed her support for such a decision since it is aligned with the ministry's direction, which focuses on holistic assessment rather than examinations.
"So, if the framework to be developed is related to assessment, we will certainly support it because it aligns with the direction set by the ministry.
"We will discuss this matter. We will also examine how it can be coordinated and perhaps strengthened at the school and state levels.
"The ministry will also provide input on the proposed plan," she said after launching the Palestine Solidarity Week programme at SMK Dato Ahmad Razali in Ampang here today.
Fadhlina also have her assurance that the ministry has the necessary guidelines to implement programmes aimed at strengthening education at the state level.
She expressed gratitude to the Sarawak government for consistently prioritising the field of education, especially in the state.
"There is over RM2 billion allocated for education in Sarawak. We always view Sarawak as an example of a state that places a high priority on education," she said.
Yesterday, it was reported that Sarawak is working to create its own assessment examination for Year 6 students in government schools, aimed at providing them with the necessary guidance to make well-informed choices between science and arts streams as they progress to secondary school.
State education, innovation and talent development minister, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn was quoted as saying this forthcoming assessment is expected to bear resemblance to the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR), which was abolished by the education ministry in 2021.
