KUALA LUMPUR: Children should not be turned into lab materials, says a Perikatan Nasional MP on the policy to enrol six-year-olds in Year One.
Datuk Idris Ahmad (PN-Bagan Serai) said any miscalculation would affect an entire generation.
“The implementation is slated for next year. Just imagine, a policy that has never been done is going to be implemented within a short period. We do not want our children to be turned into lab materials,” he said during his motion of thanks debate on the Royal Address in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday(Jan 26).
He also called the government out on the flip-flops on the announcements made regarding the policy.
He urged the government to postpone the implementation of the policy.
He said the core issue, which is the shortage of teachers, must first be addressed before implementing the policy.
Idris added that teachers have to play various roles in addition to teaching and some school especially in Sabah and Sarawak are still grappling with the issue of dilapidated schools.
“Secondly, the government must table a comprehensive plan that is driven by data and current developments. Thirdly, engagements must be held with stakeholders such as Parent & Teacher Associations, parents and kindergarten operators,” he said.
Idris said these problems must be resolved first before the policy is implemented.
“This involves the generation of our children and grandchildren,” he said.
It was earlier reported that children in Malaysia will begin preschool at the age of five and enter Year One at six starting in 2027.
However, children aged six will only be eligible to enter Year One in 2027 if they successfully pass a special diagnostic test that will be introduced by the Education Ministry.
