Born in January 2012 but keen to start school

MY granddaughter was born on Jan 5, 2012. As a result, she had to sit for an eligibility test to enter primary school in January this year. In the end, she was rejected.

We sent letters of appeal to the Selangor state education department, the Education Minister and other high-level officials but there was no response from any of them. What a letdown! We expected at least a response to our appeal.

I would like to highlight the unfairness to children born in early 2012 (up to March 31) who were not allowed to enter primary school in January 2018. I feel that children in this category should be automatically accepted in primary school at the same time as those born in 2011 for the following reasons:

1. They completed kindergarten at the same time as those born in 2011;

2. It is very frustrating for these children to repeat another year of kindergarten. It also means unnecessary additional cost to the parents;

3. These children are equally capable as those born in 2011 to handle Primary One school work as they completed the same kindergarten syllabus; and

4. These children will lose out one year in completing their education.

I hope the Education Ministry will look into the plight of these children (including my granddaughter) and allow them to start primary school this year. The matter needs to be addressed urgently as it is already the second month of school.

CONCERNED GRANDFATHER Kuala Lumpur