KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that history will become a must-past subject for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) beginning 2013.
Muhyiddin who is also the Education Minister said that this was in response to complaints raised by UMNO delegates on the state of the younger generation’s knowledge on the subject.
“Beginning 2013, this will give the subject a similar status as Bahasa Malaysia will be a must-pass subject to obtain the SPM certificate,” the UMNO deputy president said in his winding-up speech at the 61st UMNO General Assembly.
The call to place more importance on the subject was raised by several delegates including delegates from Perak and Kedah. They argued that the younger generation was oblivious to the history of the nation especially the Federal Constitution. The delegates also felt that primary school pupils should be exposed to history in a more comprehensive manner. Muhyiddin, said presently elements of history are included in the “Kajian Tempatan” subject which is a combination of history and geography.
“The (education) ministry will improve the history syllabus content by focusing on aspects related to the country's constitution, to improve understanding on the formation of Malaysia," he said in his closing speech at the 61st UMNO General Assembly.
Currently it is only compulsory for students to pass the Bahasa Malaysia paper in order to get an SPM certificate.
Muhyiddin, also announced that the replacement of PMR (Penilaian Menengah Rendah) exams with a school-based assessment system will be brought forward to 2014, instead of 2016 as earlier announced.
It is a school-based assessment was more suitable for students in Malaysia’s 7,000 secondary schools. Such an assessment, which has been carried out in 550 schools nationwide since 2008, was preferred choice of many. These are among the recommendations in a report on the proposal to abolish both examinations. The move is part of the government’s efforts to restructure the education system, which is perceived to be too exam-oriented.
Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr. Mohd Puad Zarkashi described the changes to the subject as timely as remarks on racial sensitivities were being made without understanding our real history.
“Yayasan Guru Malaysia Berhad(YGMB) will be empowered to intensify a campaign to encourage teachers to be members of the foundation,” said by Muhyiddin.
Muhyiddin aware that YGMB needs more funds, they will allocate RM10 million to finance activities for the welfare of teachers. He also announced that Yayasan Guru Tun Hussein Onn, a foundation established for the welfare of teachers has been approved by Cabinet.
"A bill will be tabled in Parliament soon, and about RM200 million will be transferred from the Teachers Provident Fund (KWSG), to the foundation for a start," said Muhyiddin.
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