Decision In A Few Weeks On Maths, Science In English

Putrajaya, Malaysia - The decision on the language of instruction for Mathematics and Science is expected to be made in the next few weeks.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said he had nearly concluded all his deliberations on the Teaching of Mathematics and Science in English (better known by its Malay acronym (PPSMI).

“The decision will be made soon. I will brief the Prime Minister before the issue is brought to the Cabinet,” he told reporters after meeting the representatives from seven Chinese associations at his office.

Muhyiddin who is Education Minister, said he had previously obtained the views of other individuals and it was from the Chinese associations Tuesday.

“I will take into account all aspects, including strengthening Bahasa Malaysia, the mother tongue languages of Chinese and Tamil, and the need to further strengthen English proficiency,” he said.

There were also other critical matters to consider, including cost, if any, modifications or changes had to be carried out, he added.

Asked if any change or modification to the policy would only affect those in Year One next year, Muhyiddin said he did not want to pre-empt the decision.

“You have to wait for my announcement. It will be a comprehensive plan that we are submitting, not just a change decision.

“I want everyone including parents to be happy. Their children should not be victims of circumstance whatever decision the Government makes,” he said.

Describing his meeting with the associations as positive, he said they wanted the policy to be abolished.

The PPSMI policy was introduced in phases, beginning with Year One, Form One and Lower Six students in 2003.

Muhyiddin had previously said he was willing to accept the memorandum and listen to more views before making a decision on the issue as the Government did not want to be seen flip-flopping on the matter.

He said that other issues brought up by the associations was whether the Unified Examinations Certificate (UEC) could be recognised.

“I explained that the Government cannot recognise the UEC as it is not based on the national education policy,” he said.

He said the Government had earlier approved the relocation of 14 Chinese schools, adding that these were in Selangor, the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Kedah, Negri Sembilan, Malacca, Pahang and Sarawak.

“We have the allocation and we want the associations to help with the location aspect,” he said.

On the issue of aid to Chinese independent schools, he said the Government was unable to do so as the schools were independent.

On the exemption from paying fees for public examinations (at independent schools), he said it would affect other schools such as people‘s religious schools (sekolah agama rakyat).

“The decision is up to the Finance Minister,” he added.

Dong Zong chairman Dr Yap Sin Tian said the associations had handed over a memorandum to Muhyiddin on the PPSMI issue.

“We are thankful he made the time to see us. We exchanged views in a good atmosphere,” he said. Karen Chapman

Source: http://thestar.com.my (26 May 2009)
Photo: http://www.voy.com.my

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