Would Muhyiddin allow a referendum on our children's future?

EDITOR'S PICK Why are we playing dice with our children’s education? The teaching of Science and Mathematics does not infringe on the status of Bahasa Melayu as the national language of the Federation of Malaysia. It can still remain the main medium of instruction in schools and higher education. But in order to create a competitive and globally viable society, English should be allowed to take its place as a means to educate students in Science and Mathematics.

In a joint press conference, the Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia (PAGE) and Jaringan Melayu Malaysia (JMM) feel that there should be a referendum if that is what it takes to have Science and Mathematics taught in English (or PPSMI) as an option in schools. “We are only asking for our children to be given the opportunity to study Science and Mathematics in English,” said JMM president Azwanddin Hamzah.

Would the Minister listen

They were reacting to Education minister Muhyiddin Yassin who last month closed the door on English for the two subjects. “We cannot sacrifice our national language for another language. As a country which has achieved its independence, we have to strengthen Bahasa Melayu," said Muhyddin.

A referendum as a final option to gauge what the majority of parents really want is indeed a good suggestion and something the Education ministry should take into consideration. But of late, the ministry is as fickle-minded and hydra-headed as most politicians who sit in Parliament.

Yet, even with a referendum, would the Education minister listen to the voice of the people? There is talk that books have already been printed in Bahasa Melayu, thus an about-turn on the decision to teach Science and Mathematics in Bahasa Melayu would cost someone somewhere millions in unusable books.

Would the Minister be forthcoming in even allowing the people to discuss and debate the use of English or would he merely put a stop to all debate and enforce his will and assertion that Bahasa Melayu would remain the medium of instruction for Science and Mathematics?

Who should in charge: Educator vs Politician

There is no point lording over the use of Bahasa Melayu in primary and secondary school, when in university, the language of choice for technical subjects is English. Do we really want to impede our children the moment they pursue their studies in university?

And if politicians have their way, we may indeed put our children at a disadvantage when they step into a shrinking world that speaks English.

Here lies the fundamental problem. Why are we allowing politicians free-rein to determine the fate of our future generations? For starters, is an educator holding the post of Education minister? Is there a viable and reasonable reason for not using English? It is time, we have educators advising the nation on what is best for our children’s education and not some seasoned politician who is out to garner votes and not to educate.

Secondly, are we focus on creating a compliant generation or competitive generation? Children speaking Bahasa Melayu would comply to the requirement of the federation that Bahasa Melayu is the national language of Malaysia, but sadly, that does not mean that the generation is competitive. To be competitive, English is needed to survive in the global arena. And competitiveness means a return in monetary and economic terms. Thus, which is better for the country in the long run?

And this is the dilemma. The people may see the competitive edge our children would have if they are well-versed in English and may show this in a referendum yet, the Education minister may choose other-wise.

So referendum or not, would the Education minister heed the voice of the people? Given Muhyiddin Yassin's track record, it is wise not to have high hopes.

Malaysia Chronicle