Education Minister Muhyiddin Yassin says he did not order the punishment of a teacher who openly objected to the Pentaksiran Berasaskan Sekolah (SBA or student evaluation based on school work).

Muhyiddin, who is also deputy prime minister, said he himself was unclear as to why the district education office had issued the order.

On Saturday, a teacher who was leading the anti-SBA movement was transferred with immediate effect.

"I did not issue any order or take any action," Muhyiddin told a press conference in Kajang today.

"If there was action, it was from the district level. And I do not know if there are reasons for their punishment or whether it just because they (teachers spoke) out against the SBA.”

Muhyiddin stressed that he and his ministry are working on solving the problems with the system without stopping anyone from voicing their opinion.

“I have made a decision, we can’t simply persecute or stop anyone from voicing out. You can voice out but follow the law and circular orders,” he said.

“What’s important is that we are at the stage of finding a new system that is improved upon and we will announce it after looking at all aspects,” he said.

The SBA, which teachers say had been adding to their workload, has been postponed following further study and workshops to explore possible improvements on the system.

The SBA has been suspended until further notice, following a protest by teachers over the weekend in Bangi, Selangor.