Former Economy Minister, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli proposed that the government set the school leaving age at 16.
Rafizi stated that schooling sessions should end at the age of 16 because Malaysia is heading towards the status of an ageing nation and to enable children to start working around the age of 21.
The statement was recorded when he participated in the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Commenting on the 13MP presentation which was alleged to not emphasize the economic aspects and development projects, Rafizi explained that the matter had been given focus previously in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
He also said that the government would focus on the education aspect because the sector is considered important for the country's future development.
Among the issues raised were the emphasis on providing universal preschool education services involving children as young as 5 years old.
