Respect for multicultural values should begin young, says Sibu community leader

SIBU (Feb 27): Children should be inculcated from a young age in a multicultural environment where they learn to respect, accept and appreciate one another’s cultures, said Chinese community leader Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau.

He said such exposure is a vital aspect of education, particularly when children and teachers from different races and cultural backgrounds are able to celebrate festivities together.

“This reflects the beautiful values of harmony and unity in our nation,” he said at the YMCA Yakin Diri Kindergarten Chinese New Year celebration here yesterday.

Lau said seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of the children brought him comfort and joy.

“This is not only a festive celebration but a beautiful memory in the children’s journey of growing up,” he added.

Lau said in a country of diverse races and cultures, the Lunar New Year is not only a festival for the Chinese community but also a moment for all Malaysians to share joy and blessings.

He commended the kindergarten’s headmistress and teachers for their dedication in preparing the celebration, and expressed appreciation to parents for their continued support and trust.

“It is through the close cooperation between families and the kindergarten that our children are able to grow healthily in a caring and encouraging environment.”

Touching on the policy allowing six-year-children to opt to enter Year 1 beginning 2027, Lau said it provides parents with more choices.

However, he stressed that the focus should not be on whether a child starts one year earlier or one year later, but whether the child is ready.

“Every child develops at a different pace. Some children may develop cognitive abilities earlier, while others may need more time in emotional regulation, self-care skills or social interaction,” he said.

He emphasised that education is not a race, and that starting earlier does not necessarily mean better outcomes.

“If a child is not yet physically and mentally ready, entering primary school too early may cause stress and affect their interest and confidence in learning,” he said.

Lau called on teachers and parents to work closely together to conduct comprehensive and objective assessments before a child enters primary school, including evaluating learning ability, attention span, emotional maturity, self-care skills and social adaptability.