Year 1 at 6: PAS MP Calls Anwar’s U-Turn a Poorly Planned Policy

PAS lawmaker criticizes government’s sudden reversal on Year 1 school entry age.

KUALA LUMPUR : A PAS Member of Parliament has criticized Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s sudden reversal on the proposed Year 1 entry age, calling it a “half-baked policy” that lacks proper planning and consultation.

The MP said that changing the entry age for children to six years old without thorough preparation and stakeholder engagement could disrupt the learning process and create confusion among parents, teachers, and students. “Education policies must be carefully considered, with input from educators, parents, and child development experts. A sudden U-turn risks undermining the system we aim to improve,” the MP stated.

The criticism comes after the government announced a delay in implementing the Year 1 at age 6 policy, citing the need for further review and preparation. While supporters argue that the policy could standardize early education, opponents warn that the abrupt changes could affect curriculum planning and resource allocation.

The PAS lawmaker urged the government to provide clear guidelines, communicate with schools and parents effectively, and ensure a smooth transition if the policy is eventually implemented. “Children’s education should not be used as an experiment; stability is key to their learning and development,” the MP added.

Observers note that this debate highlights the ongoing tension between education reform ambitions and the need for careful policy design, emphasizing that major changes require thorough groundwork before implementation.