The Public Service Department today denied that questions in the department's scholarship exam are political in nature.

The PSD in a statement said that candidates who wish to apply for sponsorships must undergo psychometric tests as an eligibility screening process to get the sponsorship.

According to the department, the questions provided are not political, racial and do not touch on sensitive issues as claimed.

“The questions provided include the evaluation of identity and the spirit of patriotism entailing love for the country. The PSD wants to clarify that the issue of political questions appearing in the scholarship exam does not arise, as stated,” the statement read.

The PSD ensures that the process implemented in each sponsorship programme is in accordance with prescribed rules in order to produce students who excel and serve the nation, it added.

Prior to this, PKR Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad had urged the PSD to explain why questions associated with politics were asked in the examination for the selection of the department's scholarship recipients.

The Setiawangsa MP said students were required to give an answer between 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree).

He claimed that among the questions posed were, “I support what my government is doing,” “I support whatever the prime minister does,” and “I believe that I should not be anti-government by supporting the opposition.”

- Bernama