Four Chinese primary schools, invited to attend a gathering in honour of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad this evening, said they will be present at the function but will not participate in a demonstration on how students can learn Science and Mathematics in English using computers.

The schools, which were ordered to attend the event by the Education Ministry, were worried that their participation as such will lead the Chinese community to believe that they condoned the controversial language switch.

The mass gathering themed 'Thank you, Prime Minister' will take place at Stadium Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur at 7pm.

The event, expected to draw thousands, is organised by the Federation of Malaysian Chinese Guilds and Associations.

Malaysiakini learnt that representatives from the four schools SJKC Chong Fah Phit Chee, SJKC Jalan Imbi, SJKC Kung Min and SJKC Chin Woo had met with the federation's president Liew Poon Siak last Friday.

"We told him that we are worried that our participation in the demonstration ... may be seen as an endorsement to the language switch although our stand is clear: We object the move," said SJKC Kung Ming school committee member Khoo Kim Seng when contacted this afternoon.

Khoo added that the federation's president had promised to cancel the demonstration after hearing their grouses.

When contacted later however, Liew confirmed that the computer demonstration was still in the programme schedule.

Asked on the details and the participants, he refused to comment as he "did not wish the matter to become controversial".

'Reward' offered

Commenting on an earlier report that Liew had offered new computers as a 'reward' if the schools participated in the demonstration, Khoo said: "We did not accept this offer as it could cause a controversy. We do not want to be part of any hidden agenda in this case."

On attending the gathering, Khoo said they were "forced" to send the students due to the ministry's directive, but the final decision still lay with the parents.

In a joint press statement yesterday, the committees of the four schools said that their participation in the programme should not seen as supporting the move.

They stressed that, although they agree with the prime minister's effort to upgrade the proficiency of English among students, it should not be done by changing the medium of instruction for Science and Mathematics.

"Our stand and principle is unanimous with the Chinese community, that is to preserve the mother-tongue education system," said the committees.

The language switch suggested by the prime minister has met with strong objections from various quarters, especially vernacular education groups.

Last Tuesday, Education Minister Musa Mohamed said the switch will be implemented for Standard One, Form One, and Lower Six students as scheduled next year.