CHAPTER 1 - REPORT OF THE EDUCATION AND PROMOTION WORKING GROUP • Attendance in school was poor. • There were problems with implementing the alternative curriculum as envisioned in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and UNDRIP. The Commission’s Recommendations 1. The agencies directly involved with the education of the children of indigenous peoples – MoE and DoOAA – should enhance their delivery system to resolve outstanding issues. 2. Officers involved should have the right attitude, knowledge and skills in carrying out their duties. A capacity-building programme focusing on the lives of the indigenous peoples should be implemented in a planned and scheduled manner. The selection of capable personnel is also crucial in ensuring that implementation of all policies, rules, decisions and plans result in accessible and quality education. 3. Agencies should not hold back the indigenous peoples from participating in mainstream development. The best interests of these communities should be taken into consideration, without disregarding their unique needs. Every decision made must factor in their customs and culture. 4. Agencies should involve the indigenous peoples in decisions that relate to their education and that of their children. 5. The involvement and participation of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and volunteers as well as the corporate sector should be encouraged in order to upgrade education for the indigenous peoples. (c) Other Concerns on Education (i) Proposal to abolish UPSR and PMR examinations From time to time, the Government reviews the education system to ensure that it is current and relevant to the needs of students. In this respect, the MoE has proposed a review of the Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (Primary School Evaluation Test) and the Penilaian Menengah Rendah (Lower Secondary Assessment) examination. A new format is to be introduced in 2016, upgrading the UPSR and replacing the PMR with a school assessment system. The Malaysian education system is based on assessment via examinations, which means that those who are academically inclined would fare better. The Commission is of the view that the education system itself must be revamped, in order to be fair to all students. 27