The debate over the government's plan to teach Science and Mathematics in English has focused on race and the protection of cultural identity. But there is a broader issue at stake, namely, Malaysia's economic future.

Malaysia needs to upgrade its human skills base if it is to compete at the global level with China and other developing nations in the future. This means strengthening both the English language skills of its workers and their technological and scientific knowledge. Foreign investors have repeatedly cited this as something that needs to be done to ensure Malaysia's future competitiveness.

But the government's proposed solution is ill-conceived. Teaching Science and Mathematics in English could have the perverse and negative effect of lowering both Malaysia's English language abilities and the Science and Mathematics skills of students.

That is because many students, not just in Malaysia but around the world, find Science and Mathematics among the more challenging subjects. What happens when you are forced to learn these difficult subjects in a language that is not your own, and in a language with which you are not fully comfortable with? Chances are, you will not learn as much.

At the same time, how will teaching Science and Mathematics in English strengthen the language ability? Is it not better to study English for its own sake, as an important foreign language, and develop English language competency across the board? How much English will one learn while doing mathematical calculations or conducting scientific experiments, compared to studying English literature or learning other subjects, such as history and economics, in English?

The government has come up with the wrong solution to the right problem.

Keadilan president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has proposed a royal commission to study the future of Malaysia's educational system. Whether a royal commission is needed or not, it is clear that the government's proposed plan will not work and that greater thought is required.

It is unfortunate that the views of educationists — and parents — were not sought, and that the government failed to examine the experiences of other countries. As always, the prime minister has pronounced, and anyone who disagrees is called a 'racial extremist' and threatened with arrest under the ISA as a threat to national security. ]

All parents want is the very best education for their children. Showing parental concern should not lead to charges of racism and sedition.

As for Malaysia, it needs the very best, most educated work force possible for its future. The question is how this can best be achieved in a multi-lingual society like Malaysia.