Consult people first on the teaching of English, urges NUTP
The National Union of the Teaching Profession has urged the government to consult the people first before it decides on the use of English for teaching Mathematics and Science in national schools.
"If you look at the overall picture, the ministry must seriously take into consideration public opinion on the issue," its president N Siva Subramaniam said when contacted today.
Siva was commenting on deputy premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's announcement yesterday that Mathematics and Science would be taught in English and that contemporary English literature would be introduced.
"We must study carefully the weaknesses in our present structure and see what is really wrong with our teaching of the English language," he said.
Lamenting the fact that the standard of English was particularly poor in national-type schools, Siva also highlighted the need for teachers to receive proper training in the teaching of English.
"Then, there is also the question of manpower. There has to be enough teachers. Changes are good but it should benefit everyone.
Encourage debate
"Often, policy changes are made according to the whims and fancies of politicians. Public opinion should be generated and debates on this issue should be encouraged," Siva added.
Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad expressed disappointment at the deteriorating standard of English among Malaysians and remarked that if the people want it, the government would consider bringing back English-medium schools. Since then, the subject has been hotly debated among Malaysians.
Mahathir's suggestion received overwhelming support from Malaysians but Umno Youth and Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka (responsible for the promotion of Bahasa Malaysia) were the few dissenting voices.
English-medium schools were phased out in the late 70s and replaced by Bahasa Malaysia as the medium of instruction.
The president of the Peninsular Malay Students Coalition, Suhaimi Ahmad, echoed NUTP's sentiments on the issue today. He urged the government to act wisely in introducing the new English scheme.
"Most important of all is that the teachers must be trained well, otherwise the students would be the victims," Suhaimi said.
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