Moral exam change: Ka Siong in shock

The MCA Youth chief and former deputy education minister calls for an official investigation

KUALA LUMPUR: MCA Youth chief Wee Ka Siong today expressed shock over the sudden change in format of the SPM Moral Studies examination.

Wee, a former deputy minister of education, called for an official investigation of the issue.

Moral Studies is a required subject for non-Malay SPM candidates. Students who sat for the paper yesterday complained that this year’s format had been unexpectedly changed, requiring critical thinking to answer the questions.

Wee said this was unfair because students were denied the privilege of preparing for the examination by studying questions from past years.

“Any changes should be done only after the students are familiar with the new structure,” he said.

Wee’s statement followed similar expressions of concern by various quarters, including the National Union for the Teaching Profession (NUTP) and opposition MPs.

Minister in Prime Minister’s Department Nancy Shukri said she doubted that the change was as drastic as reported by students but supported the call for an investigation.

BN Backbenchers Club chairman Shahrir Samad declined to comment.

An Education Ministry official who declined to be named told FMT that the ministry would respond to the complaints by students and teachers.

“The issue was raised in Parliament yesterday. You have to give the deputy minister some time as he is not walking around with answers,” the official said.