The proposal was among five submitted by seven MPs in a joint statement today following the education ministry’s announcement on the new school calendar from early March.

The MPs are Maszlee Malik (Simpang Renggam), Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Setiawangsa), Teo Nie Ching (Kulai), Hasan Baharom (Tampin), Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muar), Amiruddin Hamzah (Kubang Pasu) and Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis (Kota Belud).

Earlier today, science minister Khairy Jamaluddin said teachers with medical problems would receive early vaccinations. “We can’t vaccinate all the teachers at once,” he said.

The opposition MPs made other proposals including one calling for flexibility on the issue of school formal attire for this year and to strengthen the technology-based learning system inside or outside the classroom.

“Many parents have been burdened by the Covid-19 pandemic and spend a lot on their children’s education. Therefore, flexible school dress codes should be allowed at least for this year as there is a possibility that schools may be closed again if the movement control order is enforced again,” they said.

On Friday, the government announced the reopening of preschools and primary schools on March 1 (Year 1 and Year 2) and March 8 (Years 3 to 6).