Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has defended the government's action concerning the policy on the Teaching and Learning of Science and Mathematics in English, or PPSMI, stressing that there was no "flip-flop" on the matter.
Muhyiddin, who is also education minister, said the decision to scrap the policy was made after a careful study.
"All Members of Parliament, including those from the opposition, supported when we decided to implement the Upholding Bahasa Malaysia, Strengthening the Command of English policy, or MBMMBI, which replaces the PPSMI," he told reporters after handing over sacrificial cows in conjunction with the Aidiladha celebration at Sri Pekembar Hall in Muar, Johore, today.
He said a study by the ministry showed that only between five and seven percent of schools under the ministry were using English when the PPSMI policy was in force from 2003, while the rest either used mixed language or Bahasa Malaysia in full.
The cabinet yesterday agreed to allow all students currently learning science and mathemathics in English to continue learning the subjects in the language until they complete Form Five.
A million civil servants, but needed
On the call by opposition leaders to the government to reduce the number of civil servants, Muhyiddin said the opposition should first take up the challenge to reduce the number of civil servants in the states under their rule.
"Now we know that if the opposition takes over the country, it will retrench many civil servants," he said, adding that for a start, Pakatan could take up the challenge to reduce the numbers in Penang and Selangor.
He said that civil servants, numbering about one million, were needed to ensure the smooth delivery of government service.
He noted that although the government wanted a lean civil service, it should be acknowledged that civil servants played important role in ensuring growth in the economy.
"They contribute a lot to the country, and those who serve in an excellent manner should be rewarded accordingly," the deputy prime minister added.
- Bernama
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