Bersatu women's chief slams Education Ministry's 'last-minute' approach to SPM exams amid floods
She said the ministry has not clearly outlined the approaches being used, the framework, or SOP for students whose schools or examination centres have been affected by floods.
SHAH ALAM - Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) women's wing chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin has criticised the Education Ministry for its "last-minute" approach in addressing issues faced by Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates, particularly those affected by floods.
Speaking during the seventh Bersatu Annual General Assembly, she expressed disappointment over the ministry’s lack of comprehensive planning for the SPM examination, which will run from Dec 2 to Feb 6, 2025.
"The ministry has not clearly outlined the approaches being used, the framework, or the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for students whose schools or examination centres have been affected by floods.
"We want to know what plans the ministry has for SPM candidates in flood-affected areas. People deserve to know what actions they need to take," she said at the assembly held at the Ideal Convention Centre, here, today.
Also present were Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, vice-presidents Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin, Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee and Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
She highlighted the situation at SMK Meranti, where 136 students were displaced after the school, scheduled to host SPM exams the next day, was inundated by floodwaters that had already risen to waist level.
She claimed that despite the urgent situation, the ministry had taken no action.
She also criticised the ministry for not establishing clear SOPs to handle such situations, contrasting this with the proactive measures previously taken by Radzi who was the former education minister.
She said during the Covid-19 pandemic, SOPs were outlined in advance, minimising disruptions for parents.
She added that decisions under Radzi's leadership were made with proper planning, consideration and transparency.
"They already knew floods happen in November and December, yet only today are they holding press conferences. Is this the kind of leadership we expect from a Madani minister?," she said.
She stressed that Bersatu remained committed in addressing the people's concerns and extended her gratitude to wing leaders for their efforts in supporting flood victims.
Mas Ermieyati also expressed hope for unified support from her colleagues and assembly representatives to sustain these efforts in aiding those in need.
