Dr M decries being held to ransom by language extremists

Just before he stepped down as prime minister in 2003, Dr Mahathir Mohamad bulldozed the concerns of vernacular educationists and implemented the controversial language switch policy.

Under this policy, schoolchildren will be taught science and mathematics in English in a bid to improve their proficiency of the English language.

The critics cried foul and have been pushing for the policy to be dropped ever since. After exhausting all avenues, they took to the streets on March 7.

The group submitted a memorandum to Yang di-Pertuan Agong, calling for royal intervention. Apart from this, they have also taken their grouses to the voters during elections.

In his latest blog posting, Mahathir lashed out at these 'extremists'.

Although no names were mentioned, it was clear that his warheads were pointed in the direction of the most vocal of critics, Gerakan Mansuhkan PPSMI led by national laureate A Samad Said.

"We are all held to ransom by extremists," lamented Mahathir.

"We want to be rational and we all want to do what is best for ourselves and our country. We all want the best for our children and their future.

"But we cannot do these because if we do we will be accused of being traitors, not supporting our own community or our own religion. We will be demonized," said the 84-year-old statesman.

"So willy-nilly we become the instruments of these extremists and their narrow jingoism, to our own detriment," he added.

'Protacted peace a miracle'

In Malaysia, Mahathir said the people are constantly being asked to confront each other on racial issues.

"Disputes cannot be resolved by rigidity in our stand," he noted. "But we have to be rigid if we do not want to be vilified."

"It is a miracle that this multiracial country has remained stable and peaceful for so long. If the extremists have their way we would be at each others' throats. We would be demonstrating in the streets and at the airports.

"If we do not accede to the wishes of the extremists then we cannot even make a living, there will be no investments and no jobs for the workers," he said.

Today, Mahathir said, the country is grappling with the problem of education.

"There are three streams and woe betide anyone who suggests that we should not have them. We talk of liberal society, of free speech, but if you express some commonsensical views you would be labeled racist," he added.

As for the controversy surrounding the teaching of science and maths in English, he said: "We curse the person who had proposed this, calling him a betrayer of his mother tongue, of the national language. Then there are those who want to carry out a nationwide strike if the policy is not changed."

"I am ready to surrender to the extremists, to pay the ransom demanded. What does it matter if the country goes up in flames, if the extremists win the day?

"What does it matter if the life of our children and their children is blighted? Anything for a quiet life.

"I want to be a member of the silent majority and just acquiesce. However, the habit of a lifetime just refuses to go," he added.

English: Hindsight is better than foresight