Bring back UPSR, PT3 – Dr Annuar says Sarawak UP-DLP shows why

SIBU (Jan 9): The Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) and Pentaksiran Tingkatan Tiga (PT3) examinations should be urgently reinstated in view of the positive outcomes from Sarawak’s Ujian Penilaian Dual Language Programme (UP-DLP), said Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.

The Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development also said the public examinations, which were abolished several years ago, should be reintroduced without the need for a study as proposed by the Education Ministry.

“There is no need for a study. The need to reinstate UPSR and PTS is important and urgent,” he said.

Dr Annuar highlighted improvements observed after just one year of UP-DLP implementation.

“Teachers are more focused on student achievement, parents are paying closer attention to their children’s studies, and students are taking their learning more seriously, particularly due to competition for admission into high-performing schools like Yayasan Sarawak International School (YSIS).

“School principals have also shown increased commitment and accountability, driven by concerns over academic performance.

“Sarawak’s UP-DLP has proven the importance of examinations in assessing student performance and understanding,” said the Nangka assemblyman.

He also lauded Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his foresight in recognising the potential negative impact of removing the national examinations and developing the UP-DLP.

Dr Annuar was commenting on Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek’s statement earlier today that the National Education Advisory Council has been tasked to study the revival of UPSR and PT3.

Fadhlina said the council’s findings and recommendations would be presented to the Cabinet before any decision is made.

“We will review the examinations as they remain a key concern among parents,” she said in a Bernama report.

The UPSR, which assessed primary school students over six years, was abolished in 2021, followed by the discontinuation of PT3 for Form 3 students in 2022. Both were replaced by school-based assessments.