A Nanyang Siang Pau report today claimed that several Barisan Nasional backbenchers left a dinner hosted on Monday by Education Minister Musa Mohamed, apparently in protest of the government's decision to teach Science and Mathematics in English from next year.

The Chinese daily, however, did not name those who walked out or say how many were involved.

The dinner, reportedly held in Kuala Lumpur, was said to have been attended by Deputy Education Minister Abdul Aziz Samsuddin, ministry parliamentary secretary Mahadzir Mohd Khir, and representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

The report, quoting sources, said the dinner was held "to mainly explain the issue of teaching Science and Mathematics in English in primary schools".

Opposition parties, Chinese-based BN component parties, and educational and cultural bodies in the Malay, Chinese and Indian Malaysian communities voiced reservations or objections to the proposal after it was announced in July.

'Verbal instructions'

Nanyang Siang Pau quoted an unidentified backbencher as saying that, after dinner was served, ministry officials verbally circulated a message urging the backbenchers "not to raise questions or oppose the proposal to teach Science and Mathematics in English".

The backbenchers were also told to give NGO representatives the time and opportunity to speak up on the issue.

Mahadzir was quoted as saying that the dinner guests "did not make new proposal" and "unanimously agreed with the government proposal".

He reportedly said the ministry was ready to implement the proposal and that it was only waiting for cabinet approval to go ahead with it.

The ministry has since received the nod, according to other press reports today which quoted Musa on the government's decision.

The move will involve students in Year One, Form One and Lower Six in all national schools, although the language switch for Year One Science will only take effect in March.

No decision has been reached as to whether the language switch will be extended to Chinese primary schools, which have been assured that they will have "all the time they require" to reach consensus on the contentious issue.