Let Muhyiddin explain clearly the use of English in Maths and Science

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw reminds the Education Minister YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to explain clearly the new policy of teaching of Mathematics and Science in all Malaysian schools.

Dr Tan refers to today's media headline, 'Cabinet has decided that students who started studying Mathematics and Science in English can continue to do so until the end of their secondary school education.'

For one month, the Federal Government has reversed the six-year policy of using English to teach Maths and Science (PPSMI), beginning in 2012: students in Year One to Year Four and Form One to Form Four in national primary and secondary schools study the two subjects in Bahasa Malaysia while those in Chinese and Tamil schools will revert back to mother tongue.'

The previous policy, PPSMI, caused contoversy. One major factor has been the need of quality teachers. While many teachers are good, some must improve their standard. With dedicated teachers, all subjects including Maths and Science are taught well.

The adjustment allowing stduents who started to learn the two subjects in English to finish in English seems ambiguous. Muhyiddin must define well what he means. We need a clear guideline and effective implementation to raise the standard of English, Science and Maths and other subjects.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw