Fadhlina Sidek: Nearly 1,800 teachers denied permanent posts after failing key exam

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said failure in the comprehension assessment under the Mind Transformation Programme (Program Transformasi Minda or PTM) was the primary factor preventing these teachers from securing permanent service confirmation. — Bernama pic

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid

First Published: Wednesday, 04 Nov 2026 3:31 PM MYT

PARLIAMENT — A total of 1,799 education service officers (PPP) currently undergoing their probationary period have failed the prescribed examination for teachers, the Ministry of Education revealed in a written reply issued yesterday.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said failure in the comprehension assessment under the Mind Transformation Programme (Program Transformasi Minda or PTM) was the primary factor preventing these teachers from securing permanent service confirmation.

“As of September 30, 2026, a total of 7,723 education officers were in the process of obtaining confirmation in service, but 1,832 PPPs have yet to meet one or more established confirmation criteria,” the reply said.

The 1,799 candidates who failed the PTM assessment accounted for the overwhelming majority of those whose confirmation was delayed.

Three officers had their probationary period extended with a penalty, 29 had their probationary period extended without penalty, and one officer had their probationary status frozen.

Fadhlina said the ministry would continue to work closely with the Education Service Commission (SPP) and key stakeholders to expedite unresolved confirmation cases, pledging that teacher welfare and national educational needs would remain a priority.