KUALA LUMPUR – Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and her deputy Wong Kah Woh will meet the school board and parent-teacher associations (PTA) of 11 vernacular schools (SMJK) and Chinese secondary schools in Penang over the dual language programme (DLP) issue.
Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the education minister and her team will discuss the matter amicably with the relevant parties in a bid to resolve the issue.
He added that the real issue was about implementing DLP for teaching mathematics and science, not eliminating Bahasa Malaysia as the medium of instruction.
“I understand that the issue that has arisen is regarding the PTA’s objection to the DLP policy for teaching mathematics and science, not the complete elimination of Bahasa Malaysia as the medium of instruction.
“What they (PTAs) are expressing is their view and objection that their schools should continue teaching science and maths in English under the DLP,” he told reporters after attending a Nibong Tebal Madani programme in Sg Bakap, Penang today.
He added that according to recent sentiment analysis reports, certain parties have made racially charged remarks, leading to discord on the issue.
“I do not want anyone to exploit this situation, politicise it, or bring up 3R (race, religion or royalty) issues.”
As such, he has instructed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to review social media comments and take action if any individuals or netizens post comments related to the 3Rs.
Yesterday, it was reported that representatives of 11 SMJK and Chinese secondary school boards and PTAs urged the Education Ministry to respect the wishes of parents and return to the original intent of the DLP for science and mathematics subjects. – June 6, 2024