‘Homeschooling is a privilege, not a right’

Parents or guardians need to apply to be exempted from compulsory education from the education ministry.

DEWAN RAKYAT

KUALA LUMPUR: Parents or guardians who wish to undertake homeschooling need to apply to be exempted from compulsory education from the education ministry.

According to the ministry, this was because homeschooling is a privilege and not a right.

“Homeschooling is implemented in accordance with the Professional Circular No 14, 2002: The implementation of Compulsory Education at Primary Level 2003.

“However, normal schooling remains a priority for children as it is the best way for them to interact with each other,” the ministry said in a written reply to Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud (Amanah-Kota Raja) at the Dewan Rakyat sitting here today.

Siti Mariah had wanted to know the government’s stance on homeschooling in this country.

The ministry also explained that homeschooling was basically aimed at giving the children with chronic health problems, and who required constant care by parents, the opportunity to obtain formal education at home.

Besides, it will also ensure that the children would not be left behind in getting compulsory education, as enshrined in the Education Act 1996.

“Homeschooling also educates the parents to discharge their responsibility to provide education to their children,” the ministry said. -FMT