The government is facing the prospect of being taken to court over its decision to teach Mathematics and Science in English.

The Federation of Malay Writers Associations (Gapena) yesterday issued a Dec 31 deadline to the government to stop the teaching of these two subjects in English.

Failing which, the movement said, it would take several actions, among which is to take the matter to court.

Gapena's deputy president Prof Dr Abdul Latiff Abu Bakar said it wanted the government to be firm and decide on the issue soonest possible.

"The education minister can say we are being emotional. Yes, we are emotional (over this matter) but it is only to protect the position of Bahasa Malaysia as provided in the federal constitution," he was quoted as saying in a Bernama report.

Gapena has been vocal in opposing the use of English for those two subjects, which was implemented in 2003, ostensibly to stem the declining standards of English language among students.

Policy review decision soon

It was implemented in phases, starting with Year One, Form One and Lower Six students in 2003.

The first group who completed six years of primary schooling and studied the two subjects in English received their UPSR results last month.

The government had previously stated that it would review the policy this year, and a series of roundtable discussions have been held with the stakeholders and the ministry for that purpose.

Gapena has for long been pressuring the government to revert the teaching and learning of Maths and Science in Bahasa Malaysia.

Likewise, vernacular education groups have also been calling for the government to use mother-tongue languages to teach the two subjects.

In recent weeks, BN component parties such as MCA, Gerakan and MIC have also called for a change in the system so that mother-tongue languages are given the preference.