I refer to the current debate as to whether the government should continue to use English to teach science and mathematics.

I was educated at the time when the medium of instruction was 100 percent English, save for the Bahasa Malaysia paper. Even then we have to pass our BM paper in order to obtain a full certificate. It goes to show that BM was never neglected and was an important paper for all of us.

The government should not waver in its stance to use English in teaching these two subjects. Calls by politicians in the current administration to revert to BM is short-sighted and selfish. Those who made the calls have had the benefit of an English education overseas. They have returned, not to see that our younger generation benefits from the use of English, but are attempting to suppress it.

I am also hearten to know that the move to have science and mathematics taught in English was actually the result of proposals made by Malay educationists. Many Malaysians are aware that the government erred big time when it decided to change the medium of instruction in our schools from English to BM in the 70s. I suppose the fault lies in the politicians back then for their myopic views and pseudo-nationalistic inclinations in the wake of the May 13 incident.

We are now living in a globalised world and the importance of English is clear for all to see. Our education policies must never be hijacked by politicians who still refuse to recognise the importance of English for the younger generations of the country. Sadly, everything here is intertwined with race, language and religion. These unscrupulous politicians continue to harp on them for their own hidden agenda.

To avoid all these, wouldn't it be better if the government took the neutral ground and re-instate English medium schools in the country? Let parents decide where they want to educate their children, where they feel would benefit their children the most in the future.

In a way, this will curb some of the chauvinistic educationists from causing discomfort among the others races with their constant demands that the two subjects be taught either in BM or any other vernacular language.