Radzi suggests second SPM session for flood-affected students

SHAH ALAM - Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia vice-president Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin has called for the Education Ministry to reconsider the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination schedule and implement a second session for candidates impacted by recent floods.

This comes in response to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek’s decision for the exams which will run from tomorrow (Dec 2), to proceed as scheduled, including in flood-affected areas.

Radzi who was the former minister voiced concerns over the lack of clarity and preparedness, highlighting complaints from parents and students.

He pointed out that a media briefing addressing the floods’ impact on SPM was held days after the disaster, which he said should have been done sooner.

"What happened to the earlier plans? The media stated that the exam would continue and candidates were sent to the dormitories. I want to ask the Minister, is there no other option?," he said.

He said this during the party’s Annual General Assembly held at the Ideal Convention Centre, here, today.

Radzi suggested holding a second session for students unable to sit for the exams due to the floods.

He added that it would not be difficult to compile a list of those affected and arrange for them to take the exam later.

He said while the ministry believed that relocating students was a simple solution, the reality was more complex.

“Why? Because there are more than five million students, over 400,000 teachers and more than 10,000 schools across the country?

"Please look at the reality of what is happening on the ground,” he said.

Recalling his time as the Education Minister in 2020, Radzi said managing the SPM exams during the Covid-19 pandemic required meticulous planning.

He said a clear SOP was created, detailing every step from before students went to school to the actual examination.

He said they had even planned for the possibility of a student or candidate testing positive for Covid-19 during the exam period, by preparing a designated room and an action plan as though they were preparing for war.

He added that his experience in managing the education sector during such a difficult time shaped his approach.

"I have never discussed the education issue for a long time because as a minister who has been there, I want to give space to the new ministers.

"However, two years have passed and if they still don't know how to do their job properly, I think I have to "teach" a little bit," he said.

Yesterday, Fadhlina said SPM candidates whose schools have been affected by floods could sit for the examination at any of the designated SPM examination centres.

She said the SPM examination will proceed as usual, including for candidates in flood-affected states, to prevent any candidate from missing out on the examination.

She added that full attention will be given to monitoring the weather, ensuring the welfare of SPM candidates and addressing unforeseen circumstances to prevent any candidates from missing their exams.

“We will make sure they attend the exams no matter what challenges arise, and these measures are being managed,” she said.