PARLIAMENT The motive of the teaching of science and mathematics in English (PPSMI) policy was not to improve the command of English, Deputy Education Minister I Mary Yap Kain Ching said today.
"PPSMI's objective was not to master English, but to obtain information in science and mathematics, " Yap said of the policy that was introduced in 2003.
"This is why we now have an initiative known as MBI (a policy to strengthen the command of English among students), where we have many other initiatives, such as a mentor system," Yap (left) said in reply to Hasbullah Othman (BN-Gerik) in the Dewan Rakyat todayHasbullah asked about the merits achieved under the PPSMI policy. However, before she could complete her answer, Yap was interrupted by Takiyuddin Hassan (PAS-Kota Bharu) who urged her to answer the question.
This annoyed Yap, who sternly replied, "This is my answer."
This was followed by laughter from other MPs, some who jeered, "Teacher is angry, teacher is angry."
An irate Yap, who has been a long-time school teacher, shouted back, "If you aren't interested in listening to the answer, then I feel I don't need to speak."
Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia tried to cool the situation, saying, "The deputy minister who answered the question is a former principal with a wealth of knowledge."
Pandikar added: "If you (elected representatives) have not had any experience in teaching, then don't exaggerate your responses (to Yap's answer)."
On Nov 4, 2011, the cabinet called for a 'soft landing' approach towards PPSMI.
The government also chose to implement the policy of "memartabatkan Bahasa Melayu, memperkukuh Bahasa Inggeris" (MBM-MBI), which is designed to uphold Bahasa Melayu and strengthen the command of English among students.
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