The success of Malaysia’s new education blueprint depends on thorough implementation and continuous stakeholder engagement, says PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar.
KUALA LUMPUR: The success of the Malaysian Education Blueprint (RPM) 2026-2035 hinges on thorough implementation and continuous stakeholder engagement.
PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar said the policy’s early education reform, introducing voluntary Year One registration at age six, must account for regional disparities.
She warned that a surge in student numbers could widen inequality in access and quality without locally tailored approaches.
Nurul Izzah noted the policy aligns Malaysia with 143 other countries using similar global education practices.
Early exposure to structured learning allows for targeted interventions and prepares children for lifelong learning.
She added the policy is expected to ease the burden of rising childcare costs for working parents.
The PKR leader also highlighted the importance of early TVET exposure in primary schools to address the “lost boys” phenomenon.
A 2023 UNICEF report linked this phenomenon to a gender gap in secondary education completion rates.
“Early exposure to TVET in primary and secondary schools not only lays a foundation of skills, but also sparks students’ interest from an early age,” she said.
Nurul Izzah said it ensures curriculum continuity into the workplace in line with industry needs.
She also welcomed the decision to place pre-university education under the Ministry of Higher Education from 2027.
Nurul Izzah said this change would enable more inclusive public university placements.
It would also ensure effective utilisation of available resources and national talent.
