THE Ministry of Education (MOE) has refuted allegations that the passing marks for the 2022 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination were lowered. 

Its minister Fadhlina Sidek said the test scores were given according to merit and adopted standards. 

“We have our standards and it has been maintained… the grading system must be fair,” she told reporters today. 

Recently, an analysis of the 2022 SPM examination results was shared widely on social media, attracting public attention. Malaysians highlighted the shortcomings of the educational system with some arguing over the 2022 SPM grading. 

When asked whether the MOE would make more subjects compulsory in addition to Malay Language and History, Fadhlina said there were no plans to do so as yet.  

“The two subjects will be maintained as they have recorded an improved performance in the recent SPM examination, and the candidates did extremely well in History. 

“This shows that the students had no problem learning History; maybe we just need aggressive intervention especially in empowering Malay Language and History,” she said 

She added that the level of Malay Language proficiency at SJKC and SJKT schools saw a significant improvement in the 2022 SPM results and it was hoped that this would further improve. 

On Sarawak Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn’s assertion that the education minister had refused to meet him to discuss the development of education in the state, Fadhlina said the date of the meeting has been fixed for July 14. – Bernama, June 20, 2023.