National Education Plan 2026-2035 emphasises early childhood education and equitable access for all students
PETALING JAYA: The newly announced National Education Plan 2026-2035 prioritises early childhood education, language proficiency and vocational training as key pillars to prepare Malaysian students for an evolving global economy.
PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar said the plan’s success would depend on consistent implementation and long-term commitment rather than policy announcements alone.
“Its success will depend on consistent implementation, long-term commitment and a clear national vision that ensures quality, equitable and relevant education for every child, regardless of socio-economic background, differing abilities or geographical location,” she said in a statement today.
The plan introduces voluntary enrolment into Year One at age six, aligning Malaysia with 143 other countries that have adopted similar practices. Nurul Izzah said early exposure to structured learning environments allows timely intervention and helps identify developmental needs.
However, she cautioned that the Ministry must ensure seamless logistics and scheduling to avoid placing extra burdens on families navigating the new system.
She noted that research shows starting school later does not harm reading ability, which ultimately depends on teaching quality and education equity. Data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) revealed students who attended a year of preschool demonstrated better reading skills than those who did not.
The PKR leader emphasised that learning should cultivate curiosity and resilience rather than passive recall, warning that transitions in teaching methods must be supportive to prevent students from being overwhelmed by sudden changes.
“Education must be guided by a strong moral compass – ethics, integrity, empathy and social responsibility should form the foundation of teaching and learning, ensuring that academic achievement goes hand in hand with character development,” she said.
Nurul Izzah stressed that education is a shared responsibility requiring support from classrooms, homes and the wider community. She called for user-friendly changes that allow teachers to focus on teaching rather than paperwork, and enable parents to provide support rather than navigate complex bureaucracy.
The plan also assigns the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) responsibility for the entire pre-university education system, including Form 6 and matriculation programmes, beginning in 2027. Nurul Izzah said this would improve long-term planning for public university places and resource optimisation.
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The decision followed concerns over limited availability of popular courses, particularly affecting minority students who achieved excellent examination results but struggled to secure university places.
“After all, it takes a whole village to raise a child,” she said, calling for sustained involvement from teachers, educators, parents, parent-teacher associations, educational institutions, civil society organisations and policymakers.
