MCA has proposed that the Education Ministry introduce English Literature as a compulsory subject in schools to strengthen students’ command of English.

Party president Dr Chua Soi Lek said there was a need to arrest the declining standard of English, and the controversy on the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English showed how urgent that steps be taken to improve children's proficiency in English.

“The MCA takes note of the measures taken by the Education Ministry in addressing the declining standard of English. Retired teachers can also be hired as many are still healthy and willing to contribute to the nation.

“There should be a special allowance for retired teachers who sign up to teach English Literature in secondary schools,” he said in a statement issued in Kuala Lumpur today.

Chua said he, MCA deputy president and Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai and MCA Youth chief Dr Wee Ka Siong who is also Deputy Education Minister, had met Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

The meeting discussed the current controversy on the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English, which seems to have divided many parents, students and teachers.

Chua said MCA was of the view that there must be clear guidelines which would help to end any confusion, and students who had already been learning the two subjects in English should be allowed to continue.

“There should not be any disruption. The MCA’s stand on this issue is very clear. We believe the stakeholders must have a choice,” he said.

However, he said, MCA also understood that while it was good to have the option to use English to teach Science and Maths, the party had also been briefed on the difficulty in implementing it if parents were given the choice.

- Bernama