In a statement, Teo said the ministry must review its policies that deny stateless children access to textbooks and free breakfasts.

“Apart from streamlining admission procedures, the ministry should review the policy of barring stateless children from borrowing textbooks and getting free breakfasts, especially children whose parents are Malaysian citizens,” she said.

Teo said she had specifically raised this issue in Parliament at the last sitting, but education minister Radzi Jidin’s response on March 21 showed that he has no intention of changing the current policies.

“The minister had earlier in Parliament confirmed that the “zero rejection policy” does not apply to stateless children. This is highly disappointing,” she said.

In his reply, Radzi said assistance from the ministry, including textbook loans and supplemental meal plans, only apply to specific pupils based on set criteria in accordance with current policies.

Teo said under the previous Pakatan Harapan administration, the policy directed officials at all levels to simplify the admissions process for stateless children and children with special needs, to ensure that school-aged children are not left out.

“Our goal was that no child would be left behind when it comes to education,” she said.