It should be apparent to policy makers that the language switch to English for the teaching of Science and Mathematics in primary schools has negative effects on schoolchildren, said Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang.

He said in a statement today that the "2-4-3 formula" presently used in vernacular schools is the foundation of "another disastrous educational experient", akin to 3M system used in the past.

The veteran parliamentarian explained that English is not the general medium of instruction in vernacular schools and that it is not a home language for most students.

Thus, the move would severely impede students from developing their thinking and academic abilities.

The "2-4-3 formula" was implemented in Jan 2003, whereby students from Primary one to three, would be taught two periods of English, four periods of Mathematics and three periods of Science weekly.

Koh's remarks

Recently, Gerakan deputy president and Penang Chief Minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon ignited fresh debate on the policy when he publicly said that teaching of Science and Mathematics would be more effective should it be taught in the mother tongue of students.

While commending Koh for raising the issue, Lim hoped that Gerakan and other BN component parties would pursue the issue and not back down as it did in the past.

"Gerakan, MCA MIC, Supp and Umno ministers should put national interest above party political interest and end the three-year politicisation of primary education and restore the mother-tongue teaching of maths and science while building strong foundations in English," he said.