The Equal and Equitable Provision of Primary School Education in Malaysia: Issues and Challenges

Equity in education refers to the facts that personal and social circumstances are not obstacles to achieving educational potential, and all individuals able to reach at least a basic minimum level of skills Equality in education, on the other hand, insinuates the important role in assisting deprived students and schools The main governing policy of education in Malaysia, the 1996’s Education Act 550, states that two main goals to be achieved in the nation’s educational system are equality and equitable provision. In order to be equal in education, the governance and the educators must provide the children with same educational opportunities regardless of their socio-economic background, genders, races, geographical location, and physical or mental disabilities. On the other hand, equity in education is highlighting that personal and social circumstances are not obstacles to achieving educational potential, and all individuals able to reach at least a basic minimum level of skills. This paper discusses the issues and challenges in providing both equal and equitable access of primary school education in Malaysia. Keywords: Education, equality, equity, primary school, Malaysia.