About 30 Indian-based NGOs will hold a rally on Dec 12 in protest against the government's decision to cap the maximum number of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) subjects at 10.

To be held at Wisma Peladang in Kuala Lumpur, the rally themed 'Yes for 12 subjects', is expected to draw about 5,000 people.

The group wants the government to increase the number of subjects to allow an Indian student to be able to take both Tamil language and Tamil literature for SPM. At present, if a student sits for nine subjects, he has only one more subject which can be used up for Tamil language, and will not be able to sit for Tamil Literature.

"We will also launch a nationwide signature campaign at the rally," said spokesperson for the NGOs P Rengan.

Rengan, who is also the Tamil Foundation of Malaysia vice-president, added that they were targeting 100,000 signatures.

"Limiting the maximum number of SPM subjects to 10 would place students who harbour hopes of pursuing a vernacular education at tertiary level at a disadvantage.

"It would leave them with a tough choice of dropping two other subjects if they wanted to pursue Tamil language and literature, subjects which are not compulsory.

"Limiting the number of subject to 10 will take away the much needed edge they required in the job market later on," said Rengan.

Rengan added they have handed over a memorandum to Human Resources Minister Dr S Subramaniam on the matter. He said that the minister has also been given notice of their decision to protest.

'Unhappy with options'

Kapar parliamentarian S Manikavasagam of PKR, meanwhile, said the 10-subject cap was an attempt by the government to eliminate mother tongue languages.

"When their plan to transform the Indian Studies Department of University Malaya into Regional Language Department failed, they had to find other means.

"They then trained their eye at the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia. Their ultimate aim is to get rid of Tamil Language from the Malaysian education system," he charged.

p ramasamy interview 180805 pondering DAP's Batu Kawan parliamentarian P Ramasamy also hit out at the plan. He accused the federal government of attempting to destroy the growth of vernacular languages.

MIC's education bureau chief T Marimuthu said that he led a delegation which included NGOs in July and raised the matter with education ministry secretary-general, Alimuddin Mohd Dom.

"We had a three-hour discussion but were not happy with the options presented to us. I believe Dr S Subramaniam had raised the matter at cabinet meetings too," said Marimuthu.

The plan to cap the SPM examinations subjects at 10 subjects was mooted by Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Muhyiddin Yassin in June this year.

The capping plan will be implemented next year and has received objections from the Chinese educational groups as well.