KUALA LUMPUR – Most parents, including Malays, support the dual language programme (DLP) for science and mathematics being implemented in schools unconditionally, said DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng.
He added that parents should be allowed to decide if they want their children to learn the two subjects in English.
“Let the parents decide. I hope the DLP will continue without interruption and other conditions imposed,” he said in a press conference at DAP headquarters, here today.
He also called out an inaccurate news report about the assertions made by school board and parent-teacher associations (PTA) of 11 vernacular schools (SMJK) and Chinese secondary schools in Penang.
“The report had created confusion among parents and gave the impression that the boards and PTAs were against the Malay language. That is completely untrue. TV3 has taken it down and apologised.”
Lim also took the opportunity to remind the opposition that the DLP issue was once supported by Bersatu leader Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah.
“When (Tan Sri) Muhyiddin (Yassin) was prime minister, both subjects were taught in English if parents opted for DLP for their children – without conditions.
“But now there is one condition. One of the subjects must be taught in Bahasa Melayu. This creates a problem because it is difficult to arrange for another class.
“I hope Bersatu does not politicise the matter as it has nothing to do with 3R (race, religion, royalty), but about education. Refer to Saifuddin. I also hope that the Umno Youth chief does the same.”
Buletin TV3 has also retracted its report and apologised for the inaccurate headline. – June 6, 2024