I refer to the report ‘ English should be taught exclusively: DPM ’ in New Straits Times .

It is evident that the deputy prime minister (DPM) still believes that the teaching and learning of science and mathematics in English (PPSMI) was to learn English and not to learn the knowledge that is contained in these two core subjects through English as a medium of instruction, its lingua franca.

There is a vast difference between the two. Fortunately, the prime minister understands it.

Yet the DPM himself was present at the cabinet meeting in 2002 when it was agreed and decided that PPSMI was to be introduced and implemented the next year.

I wonder if cabinet ministers know what they agree to sometimes.

I am perplexed that to this day the DPM still thinks that it is a language issue and not an issue of acquiring scientific, technological and mathematical knowledge to ensure global competitiveness.

With the reversal of PPSMI, scientific English is now lost and is instead replaced with conversational English.

If upholding the dignity of the national language is the responsibility of every single Malaysian, then close all types of schools that shirk this important role and prohibit all Malaysians from attending international schools.