Evaluation of inputs, processes and products of implementing the student excellent character program in national secondary schools

Abstract

The Ministry of Education Malaysia has implemented various programs to strengthen students’ character development nationwide, including the student excellent character Sahsiah Unggul Murid (SUMUR) program. This study aims to identify the levels of student input, process and product in the implementation of the SUMUR program. Guided by the context, input, process, product (CIPP) model, this quantitative survey employed questionnaire as the main instrument and involved 562 Form 4 students from secondary schools in Peninsular Malaysia, selected through stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to assess students’ perceptions of the program. The results indicate high level of SUMUR program implementation, with mean values of 3.90 for the input component, 4.01 for the process component and 4.22 for the product component. Overall, the findings suggest that the input, process and product components of the program positively influence students’ personality development, particularly in enhancing discipline and the practice of noble values. The study has important implications for the development of the 2027 school curriculum, particularly in reinforcing the concept of karamah insaniah (human dignity), which emphasizes manners, morals and integrity in character formation. These findings provide empirical evidence to support policymakers and school administrators in strengthening effective character development programs.