11/01/2026

NATIONAL 2 theSun on Sunday JAN 11, 2026

‘Global hypocrisy persists over gaza’ KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said global leadership continues to fall short in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, adding that hypocrisy and moral failure are undermining efforts to uphold justice and accountability. “To me, I always use the term ‘divorce of conscience, moral deficit’. In fact, it’s hypocrisy and abandonment of reason and morality,” he said in an interview with Turkish public broadcaster TRT World’s One on One programme during his recent visit to Turkiye. He said the scale of the crisis raised serious questions about the international community’s understanding of the historical roots of the Palestinian issue. “You mean to say after all that’s happening in the world, you still fail to understand the historical antecedents of Palestine? I don’t believe this.” He said the failure to grasp the issue could not be explained by ignorance alone. “Except if you take a very strong fanatical Zionist line, racist line or anti-colour, whatever. But there’s no rhyme or reason why one cannot grasp.” Drawing comparisons with Europe’s own history, Anwar questioned whether humanity had learnt from past atrocities. “What happened to our historical experience in Germany? Haven’t we learnt anything?” Anwar said the situation in Gaza reflects a continuation of colonial injustice. – Bernama

King gives approval for Anti-Bullying Act KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim signed the Anti-Bullying Act 2026 at Istana Bukit Tunku yesterday. This was stated in a post on the Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar Facebook page. establish a specific mechanism to address bullying cases involving all victims as defined and provided for under the Act. The law allows the Education minister, Mara, Defence minister, Women, Family and Community Development minister as well as the Home Affairs minister to The Act, which was passed by Parliament on Dec 3, aims to

hear and determine bullying complaints lodged by victims. The tribunal will also be empowered to award appropriate compensation or issue suitable orders for the purpose of protection and justice for victims of bullying. – Bernama

manage and regulate bullying cases in educational institutions or other institutions under their respective responsibilities and jurisdictions. The post also stated that an Anti-Bullying Tribunal will be established as a dedicated quasi-judicial body to receive,

UPSR, PT3 exams likely to be reintroduced: Academic

Anwar meets new giant panda pair KUALA LUMPUR: The new giant panda pair, Chen Xing and Xiao Yue, which arrived from China on Nov 18, and have completed their quarantine period, were introduced to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Giant Panda Conservation Centre at Zoo Negara yesterday. Anwar arrived to officiate at the panda pair’s introduction ceremony at about 11.30am. He also signed the VIP visitors book and tour the panda exhibition area. Anwar announced that the government has approved an additional allocation of RM5 million for the operations and maintenance of Zoo Negara this year, following the conservation centre’s commendable function as a tourism and environmental education attraction. “When I visited previously last year, I announced an allocation of RM5 million to provide additional facilities and supervision at Zoo Negara,” Anwar said. – Bernama PETALING JAYA: There is a strong possibility that the Primary School Achievement Test (UPSR) and the Form Three Assessment (PT3) could be reintroduced, said Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Institute for Inclusive Development and Advancement of Malaysia deputy director Dr Anuar Ahmad. He said this in the wake of the Education Ministry’s decision to reactivate the National Education Advisory Council to review the need for reactivate National Education Advisory Council to review need for examinations signals policy shift’ Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com ‘Education Ministry decision to

timing, said reinstatement should start with earlier cohorts to allow preparation as it would be unfair to impose UPSR or PT3 on students who have already gone through classroom-based assessment. Meanwhile, Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim welcomed the decision to reactivate the council to review the possible reinstatement of UPSR and PT3. She said any decision must be evidence-based and child centred, ensuring assessments support learning, skills development and progression rather than merely ranking students. She added that if UPSR and PT3 return, they should focus on understanding and critical thinking, be lower-stakes and combined with school-based assessments, with clear teacher guidance and transparent reporting to parents. She also urged the ministry to prioritise children’s learning and wellbeing over rankings, emphasising that decisions must be equitable and communicated clearly to build trust. Anuar

“This key difference was overlooked when UPSR was abolished without adequate preparation. This is why many parents still see UPSR and PT3 as necessary to ensure that their children are learning effectively.” Anuar suggested that UPSR should not be brought back in its previous high-stakes form, which caused stress and competition among schools and students, as it was originally meant only to assess basic reading, writing and numeracy skills in Bahasa Melayu, English and Mathematics. He said without standardised exams, readiness for secondary school had declined. “UPSR results allowed early identification of pupils struggling with basic literacy and numeracy, whereas under classroom-based assessment, pupils could progress year by year without mastering these skills, sometimes up to Year Six or Form One. “(Those) entering secondary school without basic literacy and numeracy struggle with lessons and are at higher risk of dropping out.” As for implementation

the examinations. Anuar said the move signals a policy shift as the council has been tasked to conduct a study and submit recommendations to the minister. “I believe this is a necessary step and the reintroduction is possible. Many parents felt that school-based assessments following the abolition of UPSR and PT3 lacked objectivity.” He said the implementation of school-based assessment was unclear, adding that UPSR and PT3 were abolished due to Covid-19 safety concerns rather than educational considerations. “When the school-based assessment was formally introduced in 2021, we could see that many aspects were not well mastered. Preparation was insufficient and classrooms were overcrowded. “How can effective classroom assessment be carried out when there are between 45 and 55 pupils in a class? It is simply not feasible.” He added that in developed countries, classroom-based assessment works because classes are smaller, with about 20 to 25 students.

Tun M undergoing treatment at IJN PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is still being treated at the National Heart Institute (IJN) for a fractured hip sustained in a fall at his residence on Jan 6. In a statement yesterday, his office said it was decided that physiotherapy without surgery was the best option for his recovery, following consultations with specialists from IJN, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital and Kuala Lumpur Hospital. “Considering his age, the rehabilitation process is expected to take a considerable amount of time. “For now, he will not be receiving visitors, except for close family members.” Mahathir and his family expressed their gratitude to those who have been concerned and sent well-wishes for his health and wellbeing. On July 13 last year, Mahathir, now 100, was rushed to IJN due to fatigue but was discharged the same day.

Anwar viewing Xiao Yue, the female giant panda, during the event at Zoo Negara yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC