5,000 expected at pro-PPSMI rally

Concerned parents to rally against the government's plan to scrap the teaching of Maths and Science in English

PETALING JAYA: More than 5,000 parents are expected to rally against the government’s decision to scrap the teaching and learning of Science and Maths in English (PPSMI) this Saturday.

Led by the Concerned Parents of Selangor (CPS), the Parents for PPSMI (P4P) rally will take place at Dataran PJ, Jalan Timur (opposite Amcorp Mall) at 10am.

Calling Malaysia’s current education system “deplorable”, a CPS statement added: “By gathering in unison, we parents are determined that the government take immediate positive actions to redress the chaotic and deteriorating situation.”

“We parents whose views have long been ignored, are ready to work with the government towards this end.”

Among the initiatives to be discussed at the rally are: A Parents’ Charter on Education Policies in Malaysia and; forming a coalition of parent groups focused on education.

CPS said that they have applied for a police permit for the rally, and claim that approval has been given. They are at the moment, waiting for a physical issuance of the permit.

The group added that other organisations such as Herald of Penang Education (HOPE), Malacca Action Group of Parents in Education (MAGPIE) and Parents Action Group for Education (PAGE) were also involved with CPS’ efforts.

Last year, the Education Ministry decided to abolish the PPSMI in favour of the “Upholding Bahasa Malaysia and Strengthening the English Language (MBMMBI)” policy.

In November 2011, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin stressed that the government was no longer interested in debating the matter.

This announcement came as a shock to many parents, who wanted their children to be instructed under the English language.

These parents, represented by groups such as CPS and PAGE accused the government of resorting to “rhetoric and propaganda” to rid themselves of the PPSMI.