KUALA LUMPUR – PKR Youth has defended the federal government’s decision to reintroduce the teaching of science and mathematics in English, saying that the Dual Language Programme (DLP) also aims to strengthen the position of Bahasa Malaysia as the national language.
In a statement, the wing’s executive committee member Syamil Luthfi has said that the DLP does not override national policies that uphold Bahasa Malaysia, as outlined in Article 152 of the Federal Constitution.
He has also noted that the DLP is part of the government’s Upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening Command of English policy.
“Bahasa Malaysia remains the primary language of instruction under the Education Act 1996,” he said.
Syamil highlighted that improving English fluency was essential for students to access information and compete internationally.
He said that English was a crucial global language that students must master effectively.
“The improved implementation guidelines for the DLP show Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek’s political will to maintain Bahasa Malaysia’s importance and improve mastery of the English language among students.
“The previous administration failed to do this,” Syamil said.
On Thursday, Bersatu information chief Datuk Razali Idris criticised the Education Ministry for its perceived weakness in managing opposition to the DLP.
Razali urged the ministry to scrap the teaching of science and mathematics in English, saying it had caused confusion among various quarters.
Recently, representatives from 11 Chinese schools in Penang opposed new DLP directives requiring schools to offer at least one class in Bahasa Malaysia for teaching mathematics and science if they also taught these subjects in English.
However, the representatives said the directive on the DLP ignored the wishes of parents, as all students in the schools wanted the two subjects to be taught in English. – June 8, 2024