Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid agrees that the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR exams) for Standard Six pupils should be scrapped starting next year, but wants more research into the matter before a decision is made.

He proposes instead a hybrid assessment model, like the school-based assessment model and Pentaksiran Tingkatan 3 (PT3), which had replaced the Form Three examination.

The ministry seeks input from parents, non-governmental association (NGOs) and other stakeholders, he said, while noting that research into the matter is in its final stages.

He said the present assessment system focuses too much on academic studies, and it would be better if the final primary school assessment includes other achievements.

"For example, the UPSR exam can represent 50 percent while the other half will be assessed according to sporting activities, character, attendance, discipline and involvement in co-curricular activities.

"This is so students will not be so stressed and achievements will not be based on examinations results alone," he said in a statement.

In 2010, Teachers' Associations agreed to scrap national examinations UPSR and Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR), in favour of broader assessment methods which give weight to non-academic achievements.