EDUCATION Minister Mohd Radzi Md Jidin must explain the latest last-minute decision to end the face-to-face school session for SPM and STPM candidates, who will sit for the exams later this month, said former education minister Maszlee Malik.

According to Maszlee, his successor Radzi must explain the decision and not hand palm off the task to other ministry officials.

“To date, the minister has left it to ministry officials to appear on TV for dialogues on operational issues.

“Even in the era of Covid-19 pandemic and in the current situation of educational turmoil, the people prefer to see the leadership and authority of the minister to face the people and make explanations through open dialogue.

“It seems like the majority of the people want the minister himself to appear for question and answer on a more open platform. It can calm the atmosphere,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Maszlee was commenting on the decision by the ministry for school session to be terminated early to give space for candidates to prepare before the examination starts on February 22.

In January, Radzi announced that only students who will sit for the main examinations for 2020 and 2021 would be given the opportunity for face-to-face learning.

However, a letter dated February 4 said that the school session would be terminated sooner, but students living in dormitories should remain on campus.

Maszlee, the MP for Simpang Renggam, said the decision had left parents, teachers and exam candidates left wondering what other U-turns would be coming their way before the exams.

“I am confident that the ministry has its own reasons based on the latest data and atmosphere as well as information from the National Security Council and the health minister,” he said.

The Education Ministry has also ruled that students in dormitories who want to celebrate the Chinese New Year with their families can go home as soon when the school session ends.

The ministry also required students who wished to return to their hostels after Chinese New Year, to be segregated for 10 days.

“These students will also take the exam in a special room during the period,” said the ministry.

Students who want to stay at home are allowed to sit for exams at a nearby examination centre. – February 7, 2021.