PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will reinstate a centralised national assessment system for primary schools beginning this year. Year Four pupils are set to sit for examinations administered by the Examinations Board, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar said the move marks the return of the Malaysian learning matrix system. This system is aimed at strengthening early academic foundations and identifying learning gaps before pupils transition to secondary school.
"Starting in 2026, this year, we will reinstate the Malaysian learning matrix system, which is an assessment or examination system to be conducted by the Examinations Board for Year Four primary school pupils," he said when launching the National Education Development Plan (RPN) 2026-2035 on Tuesday (Jan 20).
Anwar reminded teachers that Year Four assessments would be implemented immediately. He questioned the rationale of waiting until Year Six to formally evaluate academic performance. Under the revised framework, assessments will focus on four core subjects: Bahasa Melayu, English, Mathematics and Science. History will be incorporated at the Form Three level starting in 2027.
Anwar acknowledged that the accelerated rollout caused some unease within the Education Ministry. However, he expressed confidence in the ministry’s ability to implement the reforms effectively. He explained that introducing assessments at Year Four would allow weaknesses to be identified early. This gives schools two full years to provide targeted support before pupils enter secondary school.
Responding to concerns over the short notice given for implementation, Anwar accepted responsibility for the urgency of the directive. "If you ask why the notice was so short, that is the Prime Minister’s fault," he quipped.
