EDUCATION Minister Fadhlina Sidek has assured that the Malaysian Learning Matrix (MPM) for Year Four and Form Three students will not revive school ranking or grading practices.
She said the ministry is focused on integrity and intervention goals, ensuring the system does not place excessive pressure on students and teachers.
The MPM is aligned with the School-Based Assessment domain under the National Education Assessment System.
"The Learning Matrix is focused not on school rankings or unhealthy competition, but on identifying students' mastery levels to provide support and early intervention," she said in the Dewan Negara today, reports Bernama.
Fadhlina was responding to a supplementary question from Senator Che Alias Hamid regarding the potential for the assessment to trigger a return to ranking systems.
She said assessment results would help boost literacy, numeracy and science skills while ensuring a holistic evaluation. The system also assists teachers in planning focused remedial programmes without disrupting the syllabus.
The ministry will monitor the MPM to prevent any misuse that could harm student well-being.
"We make sure assessments reflect students' actual mastery, not a source of stigma or pressure," she said.
The Year Four Learning Matrix is set to launch in October 2026, while the Form Three assessment will follow in 2027 under the 2026-2035 National Education Blueprint. – February 23, 2026
