The eagerly-awaited decision on how exactly the language switch to English will be implemented in teaching Science and Mathematics in schools remained one of the nation's best kept secrets, as Education Minister Musa Mohamad prolonged the suspense today.

Yet, indications are that the ministry is all set to implement the move when the new school year begins in just 120 days.

In May, the government announced that the medium of instruction for the two subjects would be changed from Bahasa Melayu to English at certain levels of education in national schools from next year.

Later, the government proposed expanding the move to cover vernacular schools as well this, however, did not go down well with education groups among others, leading to a final decision being postponed until all views have been considered.

Views being gathered

The weekly cabinet meeting today had been expected to discuss the implementation, but Musa said this did not take place.

Speaking to the media at his office after the meeting, Musa said it would be left to the prime minister to decide the appropriate time to bring up the issue to the cabinet.

"I think he is still hearing submissions from all quarters," he said, adding that the prime minister had informed all quarters that this process has yet to be completed.

Pressed to reveal details of implementation, he replied "let the decision be made ... whatever it is, we can adjust to any decision".

He said the ministry would be able to proceed based on any decision made by the cabinet and that it was ready to face any eventuality.

"(It is) Systems all go," Musa said in reference to preparations to teach the two subjects in the English language.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad started meeting various interest groups a month ago to hear their views.

On Monday, he held an hour-long meeting with two Chinese groups, the Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia and the Federation of Seven Clans and Associations, at his office in Putrajaya.

Help for teachers

Meanwhile, Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka has reportedly confirmed that the required Arithmetic text books for Year One would be in the market by December.

On Monday, the prime minister was quoted as saying he was worried the language switch could not be implemented on time, because the government was uncertain if the necessary courseware would be ready by the end of the year.

Commenting on this, Musa said he was confident that the materials would be ready as it was his responsibility to see to the implementation.

He further said that Science and Mathematics teachers would be assisted by the Curriculum Development Centre in designing their work schedules.

Multimedia equipment such as computers would also be provided to schools. Teachers, therefore, would act mainly as facilitators in the language switch.

"In all ways, teachers especially Year One teachers will be helped through the process," he said.

Objections to move

Although even detractors have acknowledged the importance of mastering English, they argued that the language switch would not improve proficiency in that language.

They said the move may result in students' performance in the two subjects deteriorating in vernacular schools, as it would be easier for them to learn the subjects in their mother-tongue.

These groups were sharply rebuked by government leaders, including Mahathir, who warned them "not to play with fire".

Chinese-based parties in the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition have also expressed reservations about the proposal.