PARLIAMENT So far, more than RM30 million has been spent by the government to implement the Dual Language Programme (DLP) in nearly 300 schools, said the Education Ministry.

"Until today, a total of 292 schools have implemented the DLP and the total amount of funds allocated for 2015 and 2016 is about RM32 million," the ministry said in a written reply today.

This was in response to a question from DAP's Bukit Bendera MP Zairil Khir Johari who wanted to know the total costs incurred by the programme thus far and how many schools have implemented it.

The DLP allows for schools to request to teach maths and science in English in addition to classes in Malay. The programme was seen as a compromise after the plan for mandatory teaching of maths and science in English (PPSMI) was scrapped in the face of protests.

However, according to the reply, only schools which fulfil the stated criteria can implement the programme. Schools that want to implement the DLP must have:

adequate resources;

    • the undertaking of the school principal and teachers to implement the programme;

    • the request and support of the parents of students; and

    • the school must have achieved par or better grades in Malay compared to the national average.

    The DLP is also facing resistance from Malay language activists who had opposed the PPSMI, and for the same reason – their fear that the move may sideline the national language.