Reference is made to the recent statistic on the high failure rate in the SPM Bahasa Malaysia paper. Judy is right that our education system needs a revamp ([#1] Where have all the good teachers gone? [/#], March 8).

Our Education Ministry needs a revamp. Here are some thoughts on how we can improve the quality of our language teachers:

1) When our teachers training college select potential language teachers, is there a standard criterion or test that candidates would have to fulfil before they can take up the course?

2) The Bahasa Malaysia paper may have gone through changes in its format over the years. Are teachers equipped to meet the changes or are they still using the old ways? How often do they get to attend courses to upgrade themselves?

3) Teachers have needs, too. Is there an avenue for them to air their needs? Will anyone heed their call? Our teachers need support services for them to put their plans to action. Who will grant them these support services?

Let us not blame the deteriorating quality of our language skills on the over-emphasis of English or computer studies. Education is a process, not a project that is up on the drawing board one day and immediately gives results the next. While much time and finances are given to accomplish mega-projects here and there, how much percentage of our budget is given to education and development? How is this compared with the instant budget given to mega-projects?

We boast of a mighty Multimedia Super Corridor, but can find few to man the equipment within!

We have our own national carrier but can find no local qualified enough to run it!

We bank in a high percentage of our financial resources on glamorous buildings but fail to realise the importance of developing our precious human resources.