23/02/2026

MONDAY | FEB 23, 2026

2 MACC chief

‘Strong education system vital for starting school at age six’

summoned to give statement PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki was summoned to provide a statement regarding a shares ownership issue, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. In a statement yesterday, he said the special investigation committee on the Azam shares ownership issue had convened on Feb 19 and based on the initial report received, the committee is examining the compliance and regularity of Azam’s shares ownership. “The committee is also still in the process of evaluating all the evidence that has been obtained and will call other relevant witnesses to complete the investigation. “The committee has given an assurance that a comprehensive investigation will be carried out transparently, independently and professionally.” Shamsul Azri said the results of the investigation and recommendations for further action would be submitted to the authorities, including if violations of any criminal law or regulation are found to have occurred, Bernama reported. It was reported that Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar was appointed as chairman of the special committee to investigate the shares ownership issue. Bloomberg had claimed its report that Azam owns shares in a financial services company was based on corporate filings. Azam said at a recent media conference that his shareholding, worth RM800,000, in a financial services company was made transparently and according to procedures.

is gaining momentum and PH’s manifesto promises are being delivered for the benefit of the people.” Nga was speaking at a Chinese New Year event organised by the Perak Chinese Assembly Hall. The amendments will undergo their first reading today by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. – By Harith Kamal students. It may sound simple but it requires proper training and strong support from the school. “A child may be reading fluently at six but faces challenges later in secondary school. “Development is not linear. Parents must understand that children grow in different phases. We must look at the child as a whole, including social-emotional wellbeing, sense of security and happiness, not just academic milestones.” Zaliza said six-year-olds are still building core skills in emotional regulation, social interaction and adaptability. “If a child does not feel safe or happy at school, that is a significant indicator. “Early education is about building confidence, relationships and resilience. Academic learning should sit on top of that foundation.” Citing international practice, she said countries praised for early formal schooling also invest heavily in structured early childhood programmes. “If we adopt only part of a policy without strengthening the broader early education ecosystem, implementation becomes incomplete. “That is where perceptions of inequality or a two-tier system may emerge.” Zaliza said teacher preparedness is also critical. “You can improve infrastructure but if teachers are overstretched or not trained for mixed-ability classes, the system will struggle. Teachers need proper preparation, resources and motivation.” On whether earlier entry could accelerate national educational outcomes, she remained cautious. “Starting younger does not automatically guarantee better results. “Success depends on alignment – teachers, parents, school leadership and policy direction working together.” She said the debate should ultimately centre on systemic readiness, not age. Last month, the government unveiled the National Education Development Plan 2026–2035, a 10-year roadmap outlining Malaysia’s educational future. One aspect that has raised public concern is Year 1 enrolment at age six, which remains optional for now.

classroom, there must be an appropriate ratio so that teachers can provide individualised attention. Overcrowded classrooms make effective teaching extremely challenging.” Zaliza said mixed-age or mixed-ability classes could succeed only if supported by strong school leadership and a conducive learning environment. Concerns have emerged that allowing six-year-olds to enter Year 1 could create the perception that students starting at seven are weaker or less capable. “Teachers adjust lessons to match the different learning levels of their

o Suitable classrooms, prepared teachers and robust learning environment necessary for success of early education plan, says expert

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

specialist Zaliza Alias. She said academic ability alone should not determine whether a child begins primary school at six. “It is not just about literacy or numeracy. First and foremost, it is about the ratio between teachers and students. “If children with different competencies are placed in the same

PETALING JAYA: Optional entry for six-year-olds into Year 1 in Malaysian schools must be backed by suitable classrooms, prepared teachers and a robust education system, said Gains Education Group founder, executive director and early childhood

Zaliza said academic ability alone should not be used as a measure to determine whether a child begins primary school at six. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Success of Ladang Kinrara Tamil school students lauded KUALA LUMPUR: The success of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) Ladang Kinrara at the World Youth STEM Invention and the top five in the “Environmental and Sustainability” category not only demonstrates exceptional capabilities in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and students involved had proven that they possess all these qualities. “I am very proud of the achievements of Aarthisha Thiban, Aatheesha Moorthy, Keshwine

stage,“ he said in a post on his Facebook page yesterday. Ramanan, who also Sungai Buloh MP, said the success was the manifestation of the strong support and continuous commitment of teachers and parents in empowering the talents and potential of the young generation. “This is proof that the Madani government’s investment in education and STEM will continue to drive national development.”

Innovation 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand earlier this month shows that Malaysian students possess high competitiveness to achieve excellence, said Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. He said the success in winning the “Gold Award” and “Panel Choice Award” as well as being recognised in

Elattachan, Arvin Kumar and Puraarni Vivegan, who have brought honour to the school, race and country. “I will invite these amazing children to meet me soon because I personally want to hear their success stories and experiences in overcoming challenges on the world

Mathematics but also reflects a high level of discipline, perseverance and competitiveness among students, Bernama reported. He said participation on the international stage requires thorough preparation, courage and strong self-confidence, and all the

Nation set to make history by capping tenure of PM at 10 years PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is set to make history with constitutional amendments that will cap the prime minister’s tenure at 10 years and formally separate the powers of the attorney-general and the public prosecutor – a bold move that underscores Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) push for institutional reform. scheduled for March 2 and 3. “If approved, Malaysia will become the first Westminster-style parliamentary system in the world to impose a 10-year limit for the prime minister.” Nga, who is also Housing and Local Government minister, said the separation of powers between the attorney-general and the public prosecutor would prevent conflicts of interest in prosecutorial decisions. “The attorney-general will This will be the fourth Constitutional amendment under the Madani Government. Previously, the 2024 Constitutional (Amendment) Bill on citizenship was passed and is set to take effect on June 1.

The amendments also aim to strengthen the separation of powers among the legislative, executive and judiciary through the implementation of the Parliamentary Services Act. “These four constitutional amendments clearly show that reform

“Until now, only countries with presidential systems, such as the United States, Indonesia, Taiwan and the Philippines, have two-term limits. “This proves PH’s manifesto promises are being implemented, step by step.”

continue to serve as the government’s legal adviser while prosecutorial powers under Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution will be fully exercised by a separate public prosecutor’s office.”

DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming said the first reading of the Bill would be tabled in Parliament today, with the second and third readings