When our Education Minister announced the abolishment of PPSMI last year, it distressed many parents who then tried to voice their disappointment by appealing through the PTA. But a directive from relevant authority disallowed any such discussion, claiming it is not the right platform.

Parents then took their grievance to the cyber-world and voices in support of PPSMI could be heard from cities and towns to the remote interiors of east Malaysia. Even surveys by prominent blogs including that of our ex-PM revealed significant support for PPSMI.

Subsequently, the Education Dept had their own hotline for parents to voice out but alas, the result was never revealed. A simple survey at my son’s school in PJ, by talking to and collecting signatures from parents who drop/pick up their children, drew a similar outcome.

Last Saturday morning, I attended the soft launch of the Parent Action Group for Education (Page) in KL, a national body formed by concerned parents on this and other educational issues. Few even drove all the way from Melaka. Those present are clearly still very distressed by this issue but have given up any hope that our government cares.

The suggestion to attend private schools is not a solution to the majority of us wage-earners as well as those living in smaller towns and rural areas.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, your government has proven lately that it is a caring one, listening to and making decisions expected by the rakyat , even to the extent of reversing some unfavorable ones.

While we understand and fully support MBMMBI, we hope you will allow our children to continue studying Science and Mathematics in English in selected schools throughout the country.

Contrary to what some leaders think, we the rakyat are also capable of deciding what’s good for our children, society and for the future of our nation. Good decisions are those made in the long-term interest of the people and nation, not merely to please and win votes.

Rest assured, we know if the government is caring one and are capable of judging when a decision is good or otherwise. Trust us, we have and will reciprocate accordingly in elections.