PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has lauded the implementation of the Malaysian Learning Matrix test for Year Four and Form Three students.
The Umno president said the party had been asking for the return of national examinations.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, added that technical, vocational education and training (TVET) and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) exposure will be offered earlier at Form One.
"This is a very good leap, meaning that TVET will be mainstreamed through the National Education Plan 2026-2035," he said after attending its launch at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre on Tuesday (Jan 20).
During the launch, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia would reinstate a centralised national assessment system for primary schools starting in 2026 for Year Four students.
He said the Examinations Board would administer the Malaysian Learning Matrix test for Year Four and Form Three students, marking the return of national examinations.
He also said the system is aimed at strengthening early academic foundations and identifying learning gaps before pupils transition to secondary school.
As for higher education, Ahmad Zahid said the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint 2026-2035 aims to address the mismatch between what is taught in higher education institutions and the needs of the job market.
