BN Chinese-based parties' solution: extra hours for extra lessons

comments     YS Tong     Published     Updated

The four Chinese-based parties in Barisan Nasional are expected to propose an extension of the timetable of Chinese primary schools in order to accommodate the teaching of Mathematics and Science in English.

This is because Chinese schools are not exempted from the controversial language switch starting next year, according to the decision reached by the BN supreme council at a meeting last week.

Sources said the four parties — MCA, Gerakan, Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), and Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) — had agreed to maintain their earlier stand that mother tongue should be retained in the teaching of the two subjects.

However, as part of a compromise, the two subjects will be taught in two languages, with emphasis on the Chinese language, according to the proposal.

If the proposal is accepted, the school hours for Year One will be extended from the present 1,350 minutes (or 45 periods with 30 minutes each) to more than 1,400 minutes of classes per week, which is still within the maximum range of 1,500 minutes per week permitted by the Education Ministry.

More problems

The extension could spell problems for students and teachers, especially in view of the government's decision early this year to introduce Science and English as new subjects in national-type vernacular schools for the first time next year.

The subjects currently taught in Year One of Chinese primary schools are Chinese language (15 periods), Bahasa Melayu (9), Mathematics (7), Moral Education (5), Physical Education (3), Music (2), and Art (2).

Another period is allocated for weekly assembly while there is one more period for a subject decided by the head of school. Most schools use this extra period for computer classes.

When Science and English are eventually introduced in Year One to occupy three periods and two periods respectively, there will be changes to the present timetable.

The five periods for these two new subjects will be taken from Chinese language (reduced from 15 to 12), the computer class and an extra period, giving a total number of 46 periods a week.

Sources said if the Chinese-based parties' proposal is implemented, the total number of periods will be increased to 48 and above.

Mother tongue priority

The proposal may also encounter problems in implementation due to shortage of facilities (most Chinese primary schools are conducted in morning and afternoon sessions) and the limited government budget for Chinese schools.

Many Chinese education groups, guilds, and associations may also find the proposal unacceptable as they have urged the Chinese-based parties not to opt for anything less than the use of only mother tongue for Maths and Science.

Earlier today, Bernama reported that MCA president Dr Ling Liong Sik said the four parties, after several meetings, have finalised their proposal for Chinese schools.

Asked if it would burden students, he was quoted as replying, "They will be able to (study), given the right tools."

The transport minister had also refused to disclose details of the proposal. "Let the BN discuss and decide on it. I don't want to release it to the media," he reportedly said.

The controversy surrounding the language switch started in May when Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad proposed to bring back English-medium schools. His idea was later rejected by the Umno supreme council and they reached a compromise to teach Maths and Science in English instead.

Alter school characteristics

The proposal, which will affect Year One, Form One, and Lower Six once implemented, is strongly objected by education groups from different ethnic communities who did not want the switch to be implemented in primary schools.

Vernacular educationists in particular have argued that students can best acquire knowledge in their mother tongue during the formative years and that a change of medium of instruction will alter the characteristics of their schools.

Last Tuesday, Mahathir announced that no primary schools are exempted and said the four Chinese-based parties will be given a week to make special modifications to the implementation in Chinese primary schools.

On Friday, the Umno supreme council had also mandated Mahathir to suggest in BN to cut off government aid to Chinese primary schools should they refuse to accept the language switch.



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