Kuala Lampur, April 26 -- Malaysia's recent strides are undeniable. Economic indicators are promising, political calm offers a welcome respite, and education has rightly been placed at the forefront of the national agenda. Kudos to the Madani unity government. The launch of a new, comprehensive education blueprint signals ambition. 

Yet, a single decision within it - the restoration of high-stakes examinations for Primary 6 and Form 3 - has ignited a firestorm of debate. This controversy is not merely about examinations; it is a symptom of a deeper, systemic ailment plaguing Malaysian governance: the chronic weakness in policy monitoring, evaluation, and transparent communication.

The government's move to reinstate these exams is p...