Education Ministry's announcement on entry into Primary One has caused confusion, says social activist

KUCHING, Jan 22 2026: A social activist Voon Shiak Ni (picture) said that the announcement by the Education Ministry on the entry into Primary One in 2027 has triggered heated discussions across social media platforms and causes confusion on the ground especially parents and teachers.

She said that it is common knowledge that national education policy must be guided by uniformity, clarity, and certainty .

“And the current confusion surrounding entry into Primary One—where both age six and age seven are being applied—has created unnecessary anxiety among parents, teachers, and school administrators,” she said in a statement.

Voon said a national policy cannot operate on shifting interpretations or ad hoc exceptions.

“When the Ministry of Education sends mixed signals on such a fundamental issue as the starting age of compulsory schooling, it undermines confidence in the system and create unnecessary fuss especially with the added procedure of the need of children going through a diagnostic test to qualify for entry to primary One,  if parents opt to register their children to Primary One at age 6,” she added.

She reminded that early education is not a minor administrative matter., saying that cognitive, emotional, and social readiness of a child must be supported by a consistent national framework, not confused by unnecessary procedures imposing more work on teachers and parents and burden on the young children .

“I urged the Education Minister to state unequivocally the official age of entry into Primary One and ensure the policy is applied uniformly nationwide, without arbitrary discretion and to ensure that all children are given equal opportunities .

“And it is also pertinent that parents and teachers deserve certainty, not confusion.

“A strong education system begins with clear rules—and the ministry must lead with clarity and responsibility,”  Voon said.

On Jan 19 Anwar announced that starting 2027, parents will have the choice of enrolling their children into preschool from age five and six for Year 1 of primary school.

The prime minister said parents may choose for their children to enter Year One at either six or seven years old.The entire system will be taken over and standardised by the Education Ministry, starting with five-year-olds. Children will start Year 1 at six. For four-year-olds, additional funding will be provided.

 

 

 

Enforcing Standard One entry at the age of six raises serious concerns in rural schools, says rights activist

KUCHING, Jan 22 2026: Sarawak’s rights activist Peter John Jaban has said that a recent announcement by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to standardise entry into Standard One at the age of six must be assessed in light of the realities faced by Sabah and Sarawak, and more importantly, the rights guaranteed under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Peter John Jaban:  How the safety of six-year-old children in the interior of Sabah and Sarawak can be guaranteed? 

He said the two Borneo regions are not the same as Malaya, saying that under MA63 they were accorded special safeguards and recognition of their unique geographical, social, and developmental conditions, including autonomy and flexibility in education matters.

“Any national education policy that ignores these realities is contrary to the spirit and intent of MA63,” Peter said in a statement today.

He stressed that large parts of Sabah and Sarawak remain rural and remote, with many communities still lacking basic infrastructure.

“There are villages without proper roads, without reliable bus or boat services, and in some cases without a primary school within safe and reasonable reach.

“Children are often forced to travel long distances through rivers, forests, and dangerous terrain just to attend school,” he said, adding that of particular concern is the state of schools in Sarawak

“There are 298 schools remain in a dilapidated condition, 14 primary schools still rely on generators for electricity, and 428 schools do not yet have access to treated clean water.

“In this context, enforcing Standard One entry at the age of six raises serious concerns.

“How the safety of six-year-old children in the interior of Sabah and Sarawak can be guaranteed?

“Are there sufficient hostels, transport assistance, teachers, and school facilities to support them?” he asked.

He also asked whether Sabah and Sarawak be given the authority to determine readiness based on local conditions, as envisaged under MA63.

He also reminded the federal government to first repair, upgrade, and fully equip all rural schools in Sarawak, including school buildings, safety infrastructure, hostels, transport systems, and teaching resources, before implementing any policy that compels children as young as six to attend school.

“Education reform cannot be imposed through a centralised, one-size-fits-all approach,” he said stating that genuine reform requires prior and substantial investment in infrastructure, rural schools, transport systems, teacher welfare, and basic amenities, particularly in East Malaysia.

He pointed out that aespecting MA63 requires more than rhetoric, it demands meaningful consultation, policy flexibility, and adequate federal funding to address long-standing development gaps.

“ Without these measures, such policies risk widening the education gap, endangering children’s safety, and undermining the constitutional position of Sabah and Sarawak.

“Sabah and Sarawak do not reject education reform. But what is rejected is reform that ignores regional realities, child safety, and MA63 rights.

“If the federal government is sincere about achieving educational equity, it must first ensure access, safety, functional schools, and regional parity before enforcing uniform age requirements nationwide.,” Peter said.

On Jan 19 Anwar announced that starting 2027, parents will have the choice of enrolling their children into preschool from age five and six for Year 1 of primary school,

The prime minister said parents may choose for their children to enter Year One at either six or seven years old.

The entire system will be taken over and standardised by the Education Ministry, starting with five-year-olds. Children will start Year 1 at six. For four-year-olds, additional funding will be provided.