translation It is internationally acknowledged that teaching in one's mother-tongue is the most effective way to help students in learning, said a renowned linguist.

Professor Awang Sariyan, the chairperson of the Malaysia Linguistic Association, argued that his assertion was not based on ethnic prejudice or racial sentiments.

"There is enough research to prove this point, including studies carried out in Japan and US," said Awang when contacted today.

Awang was responding to the statement by Chinese education movement Dong Jiao Zong urging the government to abolish the controversial use of English to teach Science and Mathematics in primary schools, which was implemented by the government two years ago.

Dong Jiao Zong believed that the government should revert to its previous policy of teaching these subjects in Bahasa Malaysia or the pupil's mother-tongue language.

Awang also reiterated the Malaysian Linguistics Association's stand that the school should use national language to teach Science and Mathematics.

"The old policy has proved effective for the past 30 years, but the English teaching policy has created many problems for both teachers and students. This does not help to promote our education standards," he said.

Not the way to improve English

He stressed that he did not object to efforts to improve the standard of English among students.

"To improve English, it must start from the subject itself. This include solving problems involving of the lack of qualified teachers and inadequate teaching materials," said Awang, a professor in Universiti Putra Malaysia's faculty of modern languages and communication.

He conceded that many scientific and mathematical terms are in English and added that even in universities, these subjects are taught in English.

Awang regretted that the status of the national language has been sidelined as government officials are more inclined to use English at public functions and meetings.

He agreed with Rais Yatim, the minister of culture, art and heritage, who said that the national language should be "repackaged", and that government functions which do not required to be conducted in English should instead be done in the national language.

Awang denied that the usage of the national language will hinder the progress of the nation.

"Take Europe and Japan for example. These advanced countries know that they should preserve one's language while mastering English as the international language at the same time."