Comments on: Malaysia: No to English in Science & Mathematics

By: Jude Chia

Jude Chia — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 03:54:43 +0000

Hi Mark

The decision is final. Even though the poll reflects more on the consensus of urban English-speaking Internet users, it really shows that the decision should have been more refined and forward-looking for all.

Yes, home schools and private schools are limited options. But for the general public at large, there will be more experimentation ahead.

By: Mark Lim

Mark Lim — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:22:01 +0000

I would agree that it does seem short-sighted, and a result of politics rather than any real educational foresight.

So what should parents and teachers do, moving forward? As the 86% in the poll already oppose the decision, it doesn’t seem like expressing discontent is going to lead to any action. Some have even declared that they have no choice but to turn to homeschooling children!

By: Jude Chia

Jude Chia — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 03:22:29 +0000

Hello Lee Sean

A number of critics actually advocated for the same approach. Unfortunately policy makers didn’t offer any explanation why it can’t be done. In my opinions, the final decision is shockingly short-sighted and lacked of broader assessment. The explanation given by policy makers is no different from what the citizens knew 6 years ago.

By: leesean hepnova

leesean hepnova — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:41:41 +0000

Why does this have to be a top-down national issue? Can’t individual schools or school districts choose to teach science and math in the language that best serves the students in their community and in which their teachers are best able to teach?

By: Jude Chia

Jude Chia — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:53:29 +0000

Bob, competitiveness is certainly one of the core issues. But it’s much more complex than that in a multi-ethnic country with Malay as the official language and various interests to balance. So as it seems the eventual outcome of handling conflicting priorities hardly pleases everybody.

Nurul, citizens don’t just oppose without a valid reason. Unfortunately, it’s hard to give government another long break in this contentious issue. Decisiveness and continuity will be the key and I don’t think the country could afford to wait for a few more years to change the whole plan.

Thank you for all the comments.

By: Nurul

Nurul — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:40:57 +0000

It seems that the government can’t do no right here. Choose PPSMI, they riot on the street. Choose to abolish it, people say that its a political game. I say, make the wisest decision and stick to it. The majority may not always be right, as Tun M himself would know. The idea of having a national car back in the 80’s received tremendous opposition, but he went through with it nonetheless.

Instead of opposing everything the government does, give them a break. Let’s give it time and see how this works out.

As for strengthening the command of English, there are talks of making it a compulsory subject to pass for SPM. I think that could be a more effective way to go.

By: Bob

Bob — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:31:55 +0000

Sad to see a country, once of so much promise, not content with the present generation dissapating it’s patrimony via intercinine political wrangles and corruption now dooming future generations to more of the same, Condemned to a role as bit players on an increasingly integrated world stage. Singapore should declare a public holiday at the opposition kicking another ‘own goal!’

By: Dr Khadaroo

Dr Khadaroo — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:36:25 +0000

In a nutshell, Malaysians cannot afford to live in a shell. Wake up and compete internationally. Think global, not local.