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THE argument by Muar MP Syed Saddiq, who claimed that the entry of six-year-old children into Year 1 will create discrimination in schools and a stigma of comparison, is in direct contradiction with his own previous stance on education reform and changing the mindset of society.
Keadilan Youth Central Leadership Council member, Nadia Nazri, said they are of the view that the stigma and labelling of children does not stem from the age of entry, but from the way adults think - including parents, society and institutions still trapped in the old definition of success.
“A person's worth is not determined by a single decision or age. We need to move away from the old mindset that ties human potential to labels and symbols.
“If a child who does not enter Year 1 at the age of six continues to be labelled as 'not smart', 'backward' or 'less valuable', then the real problem is the way society interprets children's development, not the entry policy itself,” she said.
Rejecting the option of early entry simply because of fear of stigma is an action that continues to legitimise social labelling and normalise a culture of comparison, she said.
“If we truly want to fight discrimination, we should educate parents and society to stop this outdated culture, not cancel choices that some families can benefit from.
“In fact, we need to look at how these policies are implemented, with a primary focus on protection and support, not denial of choice.”
Nadia said Keadilan Youth also takes seriously the concern that early entry has the potential to create 'bullying potential'.
“Bullying occurs when wrong social norms are perpetuated, when unhealthy hierarchies are normalised, and when institutions fail to create a school culture based on empathy, safety and accountability.
“If the logic of “bullying potential” is used as the basis for rejecting a policy, then we must consistently reject classes with different levels of achievement, examinations, and competitive co-curricular activities, while a mature approach is to manage risks, not deny rights and choices.
“Discrimination, stigma and bullying cannot be solved by denying choices. They can only be addressed through strong support systems, a safe school culture, and the courage to change the way people think and behave,” she added. – January 23, 2026