Wed Sep 18 04:23:49 UTC 2024: ## Sarawak Deputy Minister Calls for Urgent Review of Education Policy Following High SPM Dropout Rate
**SIBU, Sept 18** – Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Sarawak’s Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, has urged for an immediate review of the education policy that abolished Primary 6 and Form 3 exams. This call comes in response to last year’s alarming number of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates dropping out, a concern highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Dr Annuar stated that the lack of standardized assessments in the middle school years contributed significantly to the high dropout rate, hindering accurate policy planning and hindering efforts to address literacy and numeracy proficiency gaps. He cited the importance of data-driven decision making to optimize education intervention outcomes.
The Sarawak government has taken proactive steps to address this issue, developing standardized assessments for Primary 6 pupils beginning in 2025 and Form 3 students in 2028.
However, Dr Annuar emphasizes the need for a multi-pronged approach to strengthening the education system, advocating for assessments in Year 3 and Year 6 to measure literacy and numeracy proficiency. He cautions against an exam-oriented approach, stating that it could lead to undue pressure, neglect holistic education, and exacerbate inequality.
While advocating for standardized assessments, Dr Annuar stresses the importance of avoiding undue pressure and promoting creative learning. He notes the significant financial and logistical burdens associated with large-scale exams, as well as the potential negative psychological impact on students.
Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi attributed the high dropout rate to challenges in reading, writing, and arithmetic, further highlighting the need for a comprehensive review and restructuring of the education policy.
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