education english language in subjects A coalition of 14 NGOs are planning to hold a demonstration to protest the teaching of science and maths in English on March 7.

The coalition - better known as the Gerakan Mansuhkan PPSMI or GMP - also plans to hand a memorandum to the Agong, to urge his majesty to intervene in the matter.

GMP pro-tem president Dr Hassan Ahmad said that this was decided during a meeting yesterday at the Selangor state government headquarters in Shah Alam yesterday.

However, other details about the gathering, such as the venue and time, has yet to be determined, said Hassan, who is also a former Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka (DBP) director.

According to Hassan, it was decided that guidelines for the event would be issued soon, adding that the there would be no racial or violent elements.

“If it is something like Hindraf (rally in November 2007), then I don’t want (to be involved),” he said.

Campaign to explain to the public

Hassan said that GMP’s objectives were nationalistic in nature and was for the good of all ethnic groups.

He added that the coalition should not be seen as an anti-government and pro-opposition outfit just because opposition politicians were part of the coalition.

“At the meeting (last night), I told all of them, including Nasharuddin (Mat Isa, PAS deputy president), that they do not represent any political party but (are here) to preserve our language,” he said.

It is learnt that during the meeting last night, Hassan had mooted that a campaign be held prior to the March 7 event in order to explain to the public the purpose of having such a protest.

In 2001, the federal government changed the medium of instruction for math and science to English prompting outcry from vernacular educationist groups.

Currently, the Education Ministry is studying the feasibility of the language switch.

According to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the cabinet would decide on the matter after receiving a report from the Education Ministry.