A Full Report on Teaching Science and Mathematics in English

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw believes that the Government should present the Comprehensive Report on the Teaching of Science and Mathematics in English.


We would like to know the result of the programme after after implementing for six years.


On 19.3.2009, Dr Tan took part in the parliamentary debate on the Supplementary Bill during the committee stage on education after the ministry has used over RM 20 bilion, such as RM 150 million for the sixth stage of the teaching of science and mathematics in English.


The computerisation of the 7643 primary schools in the country must be upgraded because there are weaknesses such as some computers are too old and not working well.


In the Supplementary Bill, the Education Ministry has spent RM150 million on the teaching of science and mathematics in English and the upgrading the information and communications technology. In the last six years, over three million pupils are being or have been taught uner the programme. Some of the over 200,000 primary school teachers have been trained under the programme. How many of them have reached the required standard.


The society has different views on the programme. For example, the Malay Language Association and the Dong Jiao Zhong (The Joint Independent Chinese Schools' Teachers an Boards Association) are against the teaching of Science and Maths using English. Some support it.

Although many Chinese primary schools use English in a fashion, the teaching of science and maths is basically in Mandarin.

One of the important factors is the quality of thousands of teachers who teach the subjects. How many are truly good at teaching the subjects? How could those who are not so good at it receive help?

From the 27 teachers' institutes and 20 public universities, how many graduates are really qualified to teach science and maths? The Education Ministry must pay as much attention as possible.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw