Starting School At Six : How Ready Are We?

ARTICLE

Malaysia’s proposal under the National Education Plan 2026–2035 to allow Year One entry at age six beginning in 2027 is not a minor administrative tweak. It is a structural shift with long-term consequences for equity, classroom practice, and public trust. Starting earlier can expand opportunity and strengthen foundational learning. But without systemic readiness, it can also transfer academic pressure to younger children, widen socio-economic gaps, and strain already stretched teachers. The question, therefore, is not whether six-year-olds are capable of entering Year One. It is whether the system is ready to receive them well.

Ringgit’s Rebound Explained

ARTICLE

The Malaysian Ringgit has rallied sharply, moving from RM4.06 per US Dollar on 12 January 2026 to RM3.92 by 28 January 2026 on Bank Negara Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur USD/MYR reference rate; a gain of about 3.6% in just over two weeks. The psychological “4.00” level is now in sight, and the currency dipped below RM3.94 at the end of January.

TAQWA: A SHIELD FOR THE SELF AND A GUARDIAN OF SOCIETY

ARTICLE

In recent times, we have frequently been presented with numerous reports of misconduct, particularly involving individuals who hold responsibility, authority and enjoy the trust of others. Among the reports are: an allegation of embezzlement against a school principal involving school funds exceeding Ringgit Malaysia 100,000; the detention of a prominent Islamic finance figure by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), suspected of involvement in an investment fraud syndicate exceeding RM300 million; and the freezing of accounts and seizure of assets belonging to senior military officers.