Education minister refuses to meet PSC, cites cabinet's order - Maszlee
The parliamentary select committee (PSC) on education that met today has failed to summon Education Minister Mohd Radzi Md Jidin or other ministry officials for an explanation over the issue of recycled Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination questions.
When contacted, its chairperson Maszlee Malik confirmed that neither Radzi nor any ministry officials were present before the committee.
"They gave an excuse that the cabinet did not allow them to attend," Maszlee (above) told Malaysiakini.
In a statement later, the former education minister said a ministry official had responded to a letter from the Dewan Rakyat secretary informing Parliament that they were unable to attend the meeting.
"On behalf of the PSC, I would like to express my regret over the Education Ministry's refusal to cooperate with an explanation on a matter of public interest that impacts the future of the country's education system.
"No matter what excuse is given by the senior minister in charge of education, it is unacceptable, it has demeaned the Parliament's stature and blatantly disrespects the people's voice who wanted an explanation," said the Simpang Renggam MP.
The failure to attend the PSC meeting will create a public perception that the ministry was not being transparent in its affairs, Maszlee added.
"Refusal by the minister or his representatives to attend will also create a perception that they are afraid to face Parliament and are unprofessional in their duties," he said.
Maszlee's statement did not refer to any possible action against Radzi for refusing to appear before the PSC.
However, Section 16 and 17 of the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952 authorises the House and any related committee to order attendance of witnesses, as well as to request for documents submission.
Section 9 of the Act provides for powers of the House to punish 14 offences identified as acts of contempt, including disobedience to any order for attendance, as well as refusing to answer any relevant questions put by the House or any such committee.
Malaysiakini has reached out to Radzi's office for comments.
Earlier this month, the Education Ministry had promised to examine a Malaysian Examinations Board report before any action is taken following allegations that the same set of SPM 2021 questions was used for the second session of the examination.
This followed media reports that several parties had urged the ministry and the Examination Board to respond to allegations that the Bahasa Melayu examination questions (listening test) in the second session were said to be identical to the first SPM session that had been shared widely.
The second special SPM session is for students who were unable to take the earlier examination due to Covid-19, floods as well as those who were given special exemptions by the director of examinations.
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.