Why do parents 'avoid' sending their children to government schools?
Many Bumiputera parents also send their children to Chinese schools.
LIDAH PENGARANG
The issue of education in this country is often a topic discussed and deliberated upon by various stakeholders, including the Education Ministry, education-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and even parents.
Certainly, it is related to the future of children who are about to enter the realm of education or are currently in school.
Recently, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Centre of Education and Diversity senior lecturer Dr Anuar Ahmad said an increasing number of parents are choosing not to send their children to national primary and secondary schools (sekolah kebangsaan).
Instead, based on recent data, Bumiputera parents are eagerly sending their children to Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) and full boarding schools (SBP).
Many Bumiputera parents also send their children to Chinese schools.
This trend shows an enrollment rate increase from 18 per cent in 2017 to 21 per cent in 2022.
There are also more financially capable parents sending their children to international schools and some Muslim parents prefer sending their children to private tahfiz schools.
There is also a trend where more highly educated parents decide to practice homeschooling for their children.
The question arises, why do parents or guardians try to 'avoid' sending their children to national or secondary schools?
Although it is an individual choice and not a mistake, this matter needs attention from the Education Ministry to identify the reasons.
If it is due to a lack of confidence in the ability of daily schools to produce excellent students, the ministry needs to plan to restore parents' confidence.
If national primary and secondary schools are perceived as not achieving the expected quality, the ministry needs to consider a formula to improve the quality of education.
Similarly, if parents feel that national primary schools are not enjoyable and burden their children, efforts should be made to attract their interest in learning and reduce the challenges they face.
