Father Recalls Benefits Of Son Starting School At Age Six

By Muhammad Saufee Rosman

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- Though the events took place 13 years ago, Datuk Dr Mohamed Sulaiman Sultan Suhaibuddeen vividly remembers the mixed feelings of anxiety and confidence as he watched his son, Amerrul Idzham, begin Year One at the age of six.

As a father, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) chief network security officer admitted that the decision to send his child to school early was not an easy one, as his son was still very young, and concerns about his ability to adapt were constantly on his mind.

“Honestly, there was concern at the beginning. The child was still young and as parents, we naturally worried whether he would be able to adjust. But at the same time, my wife and I were confident that the decision was made carefully,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

Mohamed Sulaiman, 52, said the decision stemmed from a recommendation by his son’s kindergarten teacher, who knew the child well, followed by an assessment by the State Education Department (JPN) and official approval after undergoing an evaluation process and eligibility interview to enter Year One at the age of six.

“The process gave us confidence that my child was indeed ready. Of course, there was a sense of pride, but more importantly, a sense of gratitude and responsibility.

“There was pride in seeing my child confidently step into primary school earlier, while at the same time realising that the role of parents in monitoring and supporting became even more important,” he said.

Mohamed Sulaiman said the positive impact of early entry could be seen from primary school, particularly in shaping his son’s interest in learning and self-confidence. His son is now 19.

He said as a result of that development, his fourth child out of five siblings successfully continued his studies as a first-year Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery student at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sungai Buloh at the age of 18 in 2025.

“This shows that my child was able to shorten the education period by about a year, as a result of early exposure to education,” he said.

Commenting on the government’s move to allow Year One enrolment at the age of six as an option from next year, he said this should serve as a special pathway for children who demonstrate early ability and readiness in academic achievement, while also taking into account emotional and social maturity.

“The schooling age should still serve as a general guideline, but this special pathway must be clear and controlled, beginning with a teacher’s recommendation, parental consent, JPN assessment and written approval,” he said.

He also stressed the role of JPN in ensuring the process is implemented fairly and with integrity, while maintaining a balance between education policy and the individual needs of pupils.

“It is not about who is faster, but about giving opportunities to children who are truly ready to grow according to their abilities,” he said.

On Jan 20, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that starting next year, six-year-old children may begin Year One, although it is not compulsory and is subject to parental decision.

-- BERNAMA