DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang is wondering whether Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's declaration that the abolition of the Teaching of Mathematics and Science in English (PPSMI) policy as final is aimed at undermining Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

NONE While acknowledging that the government and the component parties in the ruling coalition had decided to abolish the policy in 2009, Lim asked how Muhyiddin could close the door for its review without cabinet approval.

"In any event, if the non-Umno cabinet ministers and parties... want to have a full and thorough review of the cabinet's 2009 decision on PPSMI to allow parents the option to continue with the PPSMI in certain schools, who is Muhyiddin to singly, unilaterally and arbitrarily bar them from doing so?"

He demanded that Muhyiddin explains why he had overridden the powers of the cabinet to review the decision and whether he had Najib's approval, especially since the prime minister was overseas.

The premier, Lim added, had prior to the Sarawak state election in April promised to consider the use of two languages teach mathematics and science in schools.

"Has the deputy prime minister any such power to subject the non-Umno BN ministers to such control, when even the prime minister would not have such powers?" he asked.

Responding to Muhyiddin's statement, Malaysian Indians Progressive Association secretary-general Barathidasan Saminathan called for the children of ministers and VIPs not to be allowed to go to international schools or overseas for primary and secondary school education.

The PPSMI is due to expire next year, following the policy reversal.

However, various groups such as the Parents Action Group for Education have called on the government to allow certain schools the option to retain the policy.

Related stories

PPSMI students given option to continue in English

Mahathir suggests a referendum on PPSMI

No giving up on Science and Maths in English

Puad hits out at MCA, MIC, Gerakan over PPSMI stance

PKR is against PPSMI, says Nik Nazmi

PPSMI: Gov't told not to bow to pressure

Muhyiddin is deaf and blind to Page