I REFER to the report "Too much to bear for most" (The Star, 25 Feb) on the leak of SPM exam papers.
On behalf of students, parents and teachers, I wish to express our horror over the matter, which exposes serious flaws in the procedures governing the way the SPM examination papers are set, vetted, printed and distributed. If one leak has been identified and reported, isn't there a possibility of others not yet identified or reported?
There are now serious doubts about the validity of the SPM examination. According to Parent Action Group For Education chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim,"The last time there was a leak, a full investigation was conducted but no one was charged."
This is indeed shocking. A proper investigation has to be conducted by an independent commission of enquiry and punitive action taken not just against the culprits but also those in top administrative posts in the SPM examination board who have not taken the necessary steps to prevent the leak.
A re-sit is bound to create much inconvenience and frustration among the students and other affected parties besides being a waste of taxpayers' money. What is needed is a thorough revamp of the standard operating procedures on all aspects of the preparation and delivery of the exam papers.
DR PETER JOSEPH PEREIRA
Petaling Jaya
