The government is finding it tough to get Chinese primary schools to participate in a computer demonstration at a mass gathering next week, seen as it is as a veiled attempt to show there is support from the Chinese community on the use of English to teach Mathematics and Science.

It was reported in Chinese newspapers on Wednesday that the Selangor and Kuala Lumpur education department had asked four schools to each send three students to demonstrate an English-language software for the two subjects before Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Oct 9.

This presentation is part of the programme at the 'Thank you, Prime Minister' gathering organised by the Federation of Malaysian Chinese Guilds and Associations and coordinated by Mahathir's Chinese adviser Matthias Chang.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to turn up at Stadium Bukit Jalil next Wednesday to praise Mahathir's leadership, and be feted with a fireworks display, dances, cultural shows and other attractions.