KUALA LUMPUR: Preschools could soon become “stress schools” if the focus shifts from having fun in education to passing diagnostic tests for early primary school entry, says Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
The Muar MP said the main function of preschools is not academic-centred but to build good morals and social skills.
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“Children love to learn and enjoy the process. What will happen with this new policy? It puts pressure on preschool educators to push students into passing their diagnostic assessments.
“In the end, preschools become extremely exam-oriented, taking the fun out of education,” he said when debating the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Jan 22).
He cited how something similar is applied in South Korea, where students are pushed to be exam-oriented.
“I don’t want our children to reach this point,” he said.
He also said the optional entry of those aged six to enrol in primary school can stigmatise those entering at age seven.
This, he said, can lead to bullying and discrimination, with the possibility that those who enrol at age seven are labelled as “slow”.
“It creates a two-tier system and stigmatises those entering at age seven.
“At the same time, preschools are not accessible to all, with the majority of those enrolling there coming from the upper M40 and T20 income brackets.
“These groups will get an advantage as compared to those from families who are unable to afford preschool.
“While the age-six enrolment is optional, it is one that seemingly creates an early caste within the education system,” he said.
Syed Saddiq said all parents want their child to have the upper hand and be able to get a better experience.
The diagnostic assessment, which is used as a tool to determine if a six-year-old can enter primary school, can also lead to unhealthy comparisons among parents, said Syed Saddiq.
“Let's be clear - who will pass these assessments? It will be those from rich families who can afford to send their children to preschool,” he said, adding that this stigma can lead to further instances of bullying.
On Jan 20, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that children in Malaysia will begin pre-school at the age of five and enter Year One at six starting in 2027.
However, the Prime Minister stressed that the move will not be compulsory in its initial year, adding that parents will be given a choice if they feel their child is not ready.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek later said that children aged six will only be eligible to enter Year One in 2027 if they successfully pass a special diagnostic test.
