Tun M's Push For Science And Maths To Be Taught In English Meets With Resistance

Earlier this week, Dr Mahathir made remarks on pushing the two subjects to be taught in English when he replied a question raised by Ahmad Fahmi Mohammad Fadzil in Parliament.

However, the government policy, PPSMI (the teaching and learning of science and mathematics in English) has met with resistance from a number of people. 

According to MalaysiaKini, those who spoke out their views against the policy are the National Muslim Students Association (PKPIM), the Muslim Youth Movement (Abim), the Linguistics Association of Malaysia, Amanah Youth, PSM Youth, and Gerakan. 

"(Empowering English) should be done through a teaching method that is more student-friendly," said PKPIM President Muhammad Nur Iman Abdul Khudus today, 21 July.

Amanah Youth Vice-Chief Shazni Munir Mohd Ithnin also believes that the global language should not be taught through Science and Mathematics, suggesting for an English Communications class to complement the existing English syllabus. 

According to Malay Mail, Dong Jiao Zong argued that students should be taught in their mother tongue instead.

They also cited examples of developed countries such as South Korea, Japan and Finland that educate their students in their mother tongues which did not hamper their progression.

The group claimed that it is more effective to teach students Science and Mathematics in their mother tongue, referencing the 2018 UPSR examinations results that had primary six students achieving 80.15% and 96.12% for Mathematics and Science.

“Because students are unable to master a language that is not their mother tongue, this will weaken students’ academic performance in mathematics and science, and seriously affect the quality of the nation’s education,” said Dong Jiao Zong in a written statement on 18 July.

Dong Jiao Zong comprises of the United Chinese School Teachers’ Association of Malaysia (UCSTAM) and United Chinese School Committees’ Association of Malaysia (UCSCAM). 

The Prime Minister stressed that the language is important to acquire and master new knowledge.

According to Mahathir, new discoveries and technological advancements in Science and Mathematics were made using English and other languages.

"It would be difficult to find those who are well versed in the fields to translate them into the national language," he said as quoted by The Star Online.

The PPSMI policy was first introduced in 2003 and lasted until 2012, when the government replaced the policy with Upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening Command of English (MBMMBI).

In April this year, Pakatan Harapan, however, expressed their wish to reintroduce PPSMI.