Education groups back school-based UASA as better alternative to UPSR, PT3
The Education Ministry’s decision to adopt the Ujian Akhir Sesi Akademik (UASA), or year-end final examination, is a step in the right direction, say education groups.
Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim believes UASA offers a more comprehensive approach, requiring students to sit for six examinations compared to the two national-level tests conducted in the past.
“UASA is better than UPSR (Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah) and PT3 (Pentaksiran Tingkatan 3). Students now face year-end exams from Standard 4 to 6 and from Forms 1 to 3 — that’s six exams instead of just two,” she said.
“However, some parents may lack trust in the system because school teachers mark the papers themselves. They fear the marks may be inflated.”
Noor Azimah urged the Education Ministry to explore why some parents distrust the marking process.
“Why is there a trust deficit?” she asked.
While UASA is not a national-level examination, the ministry has created a question bank to ensure uniformity. Schools will use this database to design test papers, with fixed examination dates nationwide.
Unlike PT3, which assessed students over three years, UASA evaluates them annually, reflecting their current academic performance.
Noor Azimah’s remarks came after Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek told Parliament on Tuesday that UPSR and PT3 — abolished in 2021 and 2022 respectively — would not return. Fadhlina explained the decision aimed to reduce students’ academic stress.
Despite calls from some parents and former policymakers to reinstate the exams, Noor Azimah said UASA remains the best option for Malaysian students.
“There’s more project-based work now, reflecting the real working world. Students no longer have to be parrots like in the days of UPSR and PT3,” she said.
“UASA teaches critical thinking and problem-solving, aligning with our push for TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) and digitalisation.”
National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Fouzi Singon agreed, saying Malaysia must move away from a system that prioritises grades over holistic learning.
He highlighted the need for assessments that reflect students’ understanding and practical application of knowledge.
“Guardians often focus on children achieving As. I know parents who wouldn’t leave their homes because their child didn’t get 6As in UPSR while the neighbour’s child did,” Fouzi said.
“How many children feel disappointed when compared to others by their parents?”
Fouzi emphasised the importance of using assessments to identify and support struggling students, ensuring they master essential skills.
Both Fouzi and Noor Azimah said abolishing UPSR and PT3 is critical for shifting focus from rote memorisation to meaningful, skill-based learning.
