Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin believes that the leak of two examination papers could be an attempt to sabotage him and the Education Ministry.

Muhyiddin, who is currently in Laos, was commenting on the leak of the Science and English papers for Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) examination for Standard Six pupils.

According to an Utusan Online report, the deputy minister, who also oversees the education portfolio, was livid and saddened by the incident.

He said immediate action has been taken to trace the source of the leak and also to re-examine the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the preparation and handling of the examination papers to prevent a recurrence.

"I consider this a sabotage to tarnish my integrity and the ministry's," he was quoted as saying.

Utusan Online later replaced the story with another related article, which does not quote Muhyiddin.

However, national newswire Bernama also reported that deputy prime minister said the leaks could have been done to sabotage him or the education ministry.

Muhyiddin is in Vientiane to attend the 8th Asean Education Ministers Meeting, which starts today.

The DPM's statement comes as the Examination Board refutes rumours that the entire UPSR exam this year has been cancelled.

The board earlier said that students will re-sit the English and Science papers on Sept 30. 

Following the leak, several opposition leaders have taken the deputy prime minister to task.

Among others, DAP parliamentarian Ong Kian Ming ( left ), who was responding to Muhyiddin's apology yesterday, said this was not sufficient.

The Serdang MP called on the deputy premier to promise that he would resign if there are any such leaks in future.

"But will he be brave enough to make this promise?" he asked.

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