Let us have a full report on the teaching of Maths and Science in English (PPSMI).

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw reiterates that the Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin make public the full report on the Teaching of Mathematics and Science in English (PPSMI).

It is unusual that after six years of PPSMI and regular reports on its progress in all primary schools, the Government has not made up its mind to publish the comprehensive report.

Let the people know the various factors that determine the success or failure of the programme. One important factor is the quality of teachers. Some teachers are not fluent in English, let alone master the ways to teach Maths and Science in English. Then, there are the atmosphere at school and at home. Those pupils whose mother tongue is not English may be at a disadvantage.

I have always insisted that the Government put in greater efforts to recruit and train teachers of all subjects including PPSMI. We need good teachers. We must have better facilities and opportunities for teachers.

On 26.5.2009, the Deputy Prime Minister said he had nearly concluded all his deliberations on PPSMI.

“The decision will be made soon. I will brief the Prime Minister before the issue is brought to the Cabinet. I will take into account all aspects, including strengthening Bahasa Malaysia, the mother tongue languages of Chinese and Tamil, and the need to further strengthen English proficiency,” he added.

The PPSMI policy was introduced in phases, beginning with Year One,Form One and Lower Six students in 2003.

There are 7,643 primary schools of all streams. Any decision will affect millions of pupils.
As the Education Ministry monitors PPSMI regularly for six years, it has a comprehensive report on the matter. Let the public have a look at it.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw