KUALA LUMPUR: In the latest episode of Beyond the Headlines, we focus on the performance of Malaysian students in the 2023 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.
The country achieved a better National Average Grade (GPN) score of 4.6, an improvement from last year's 4.74.
Education director-general Azman Adnan explained that a lower GPN value signifies better overall student performance.
Joining us on set was former deputy education minister Datuk P. Kamalanathan to speak on the vision of democratising education by involving parents in decision-making processes concerning their children's education.
We also discussed strategies to address the issue of the 10,160 students who registered for the SPM 2023 but did not sit for the exam.
He highlighted the need for Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to work closely with the Education Ministry to develop a concrete solution to address the alarming trend.
Kamalanathan called for parental trust and support, asserting that enhancing language education helps children progress without compromising other educational aspects.
He stressed on the commitment to strengthening all languages taught in schools, ensuring that English and vernacular languages are reinforced without sidelining Bahasa Melayu.
Separately, we also discussed the long history and role of MIC within the Barisan Nasional coalition and community as it celebrated its 77th anniversary.
As a party central working committee member, Kamalanathan touched on hopes for transformation, the party's relevance in the current political climate, and its relationship with component parties in Pakatan Harapan.
We also looked at the considerations behind the upcoming MIC elections and what they mean for the party's future.
Follow the discussion in the latest episode of Beyond the Headlines