FORMER Economy Minister, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli today said Malaysia should consider having students complete secondary school by the age of 16 to allow them to enter the workforce by 21.
He said such a policy shift was necessary as Malaysia transitions into an ageing nation, requiring a younger workforce to contribute earlier to the economy.
"We must rethink the structure. If our children finish school at 16, by the time they complete tertiary education or skills training, they can start working at 21.
"That gives us a more productive population while buying us time to manage ageing-related challenges," he said during the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan.
According to reports in The New Straits Times, the Pandan MP said structural reforms in education are being prioritised under the 13MP, particularly through investments in early childhood education.
"If we don't invest early, we'll be dealing with the consequences later. "Regardless of who forms the government in future, there must be a priority to ensure that within the next five to ten years, schools across the country are able to provide universal preschool services to all," he said.
He added that countries with strong education systems focus their resources on early years instead of waiting until upper secondary or university.
Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the government will make preschool education compulsory from the age of five to enhance educational outcomes.
He said the government would also review optimal school hours, assess the effectiveness of specialised schools, and improve education models for gifted and talented students. – August 4, 2025
