Malaysia sticks to plans to teach in English despite Chinese protest
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today plans to use English to teach Mathematics and Science in all schools next year would proceed despite opposition from Chinese groups.
The veteran premier warned Chinese educational groups not to "play with fire" by using the issue to arouse fears that the government would shut down Chinese-language schools.
The Dong Jiao Zhong, representing all Chinese school boards and teachers' associations, opposes the plan and expresses suspicion that it will eventually phase out mother-tongue teaching.
Other Chinese organisations, while supporting the government's move to enhance the use of the English language, said Chinese schools should not be forced to switch the medium of instruction.
"They're playing with fire... we're all aware that the law of our country does not allow the government to change Chinese schools to (Malay-language) national schools but they injected fear among the Chinese," Mahathir was quoted as saying Bernama news agency.
"This is dangerous.
Govt will take action
Since independence in 1957, vernacular schools have been made part of the national education system. English and Malay are compulsory subjects in all primary schools but the language of instruction varies.
Mahathir warned that the government would take action against groups inciting racial discord.
"If anyone were to incite racial sentiment to the extent of creating disharmony, action will be taken before it happens," he said, without elaborating.
He reiterated that the government has no intention of phasing out Chinese schools and said the move to teach the two subjects in English from next year would be implemented as scheduled.
Chinese-language education is a sensitive subject in multi-racial Malaysia.
Last year, the government's plans for "vision schools" where the three main
races will share facilities but are educated in their own language rattled Chinese educationists who feared it would threaten mother-tongue education.
The government says vision schools would integrate children of different races.
Malays make up slightly over half of the 23 million population. The Chinese account for about 26 percent and Indians eight percent. — AFP
For more news and views that matter, subscribe and support independent media for only RM0.36 sen a day:
Subscribe now