SPM 10 SUBJEK ATAU KURANG

PUTRAJAYA: Students sitting the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination next year may not be allowed to take more than 10 subjects. Education director-general Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom said yesterday the ministry was considering implementing the proposal to limit the number of subjects for the examination starting next year. "Discussions are under way but if this cannot be done next year, the latest would be in 2011." Alimuddin said the proposal, mooted by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who is also the education minister, was consistent with the ministry's vision to transform the education system and the curriculum. "We are looking at limiting the number of subjects to 10 or maybe less than that," Alimuddin told the New Straits Times. "Just like the A-Level examination or the International Baccalaureate, the number of subjects taken is about five or six. "So, we will try to make the right assessment and decide on the maximum number of subjects each student, whether they are in boarding or mainstream schools, can take. Nothing more, nothing less." Alimuddin said the move was timely and in line with the ministry's efforts to give a balanced emphasis on academic and co-curriculum for a quality and holistic human capital development as envisioned by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. He said the hours allocated for physical education would be lengthened. "We will implement all these to make the vision of our minister and the government a reality. "Muhyiddin had proposed on Thursday that the number of subjects each student could take in the examination be limited to put an end to issues pertaining to the awarding of Public Service Department scholarships. Muhyiddin said streamlining of subjects would resolve the perennial problem, adding that the cabinet had discussed the matter twice. Najib, who is Barisan Nasional chairman, is expected to chair a special meeting to discuss the matter on Monday. BN component party leaders are expected to attend.