The controversial decision to implement the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English in schools will cost the Malaysian government RM5 billion for the next seven years to ensure that the education policy succeeds.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today said that the allocation will last until 2008 and most of the sum will be for the training of teachers and to provide launching grant for schools as well as teaching and educational aids including information and communication technology (ICT) facilities.

In presenting the 2003 Budget at the Dewan Rakyat this afternoon, Mahathir said to ensure that the new education policy is implemented effectively, teachers will be supplied with notebook computers, LCD projectors, softwares and other related educational tools.

"For this purpose, a sum of RM978.7 million will be spent this year and in 2003," said the prime minister.