The MCA wants the Education Ministry to review the education system in the country, particularly the Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) and Penilian Menengah Rendah (PMR) to create a more holistic education system that is not too exam-oriented.

NONE Party president Dr Chua Soi Lek ( right) said: "At the same time, it will create room for students to develop their ability in sports, creativity and innovation."

In addition, from the various views obtained from the party, including from non-party members, many wanted the PMR to be abolished while retaining the UPSR with amendments, he told reporters after chairing the MCA pre-council meeting at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today.

Dr Chua also said that the formation of the Non-Muslim religious clubs in secondary schools must be implemented because they were educational elements that were necessary in co-curriculum activities as they concerned the students' faith in god.

This was in line with the concept of Rukun Negara which was belief in god, he said.

On government efforts to reduce subsidies, Dr Chua said the party supported efforts by the government to reduce it on condition that it was implemented in stages probably within a time-frame of two or three years.

In addition, the government must also inform the people how the money saved was used, he said.

He also said that the government must ensure that the public transport system in urban centres was developed as soon as possible, and it should not be confined to the Klang Valley alone but also covered Penang, Johor, Ipoh and other urban centres.

In addition, the subsidy system must benefit the low-income group, Dr Chua said.

- Bernama