Gerakan and MCA have taken the government to task over a new directive from the Education Ministry about the Dual Language Programme (DLP).
Johor Gerakan Wanita chief Susan Yong condemned the ministry for implementing such an “unnecessary and incorrect policy”.
“Gerakan opposes the ministry’s hasty actions, which pressure schools and parents to accept an unsuitable teaching method,” she said in a statement.
“Gerakan urges the Education Ministry to listen to the people’s voices, respect the wishes of parents and students, as well as uphold the autonomy of schools, rather than forcefully push for Mathematics and Science to be taught in Bahasa Malaysia.
“Given that the current system is functioning well, why is the Education Ministry complicating matters, wasting resources, and causing unnecessary hardship? Are you that free?”
Yong also stressed that teaching the two subjects in English is highly appropriate as the language is the most commonly used worldwide.
“Mastering English can facilitate more fluent communication in international and cross-cultural exchanges.
“In fact, much of the source materials for Mathematics and Science are in English, with a significant amount of academic literature, scientific information, and international news published primarily in English,” she added.
This came after 11 Chinese secondary schools in Penang opposed an Education Ministry directive requiring schools that want to implement the DLP to teach at least one class in Science and Mathematics in Bahasa Malaysia.
The schools claimed there was no demand to learn the subjects in the national language, according to a report by The Star.
As such, the schools urged the ministry to do away with the directive and maintain teaching the two subjects in English.
The group also claimed the directive ignored the will of the parents and went against the original intention of the DLP, which was to better equip students in science, technology, engineering, and math (Stem) fields.
At odds with Bersatu
Yong’s statement contradicted her Perikatan Nasional colleague Razali Idris’ earlier comments on the matter.
Razali, who is Bersatu’s information chief, labelled Putrajaya “weak and helpless” in handling opposition to the DLP directive.
He asserted there is nothing wrong with the circular mandating having at least one class teaching Science and Mathematics in Bahasa Malaysia.
Further, he lambasted parties who dared question the government’s policies which “surely benefits all”.
‘Stop sleeping on the job, DAP’
Meanwhile, MCA vice-president Tan Teik Cheng trained his guns on DAP leaders - former deputy education minister Lim Hui Ying and current Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh, claiming their continued inaction resulted in confusion over the matter.
“Even after the cabinet reshuffle on Dec 12 last year, which saw underperforming Lim transferred to the Finance Ministry as deputy minister, her successor Wong promised the Chinese community that he could resolve the issue.
“Yet, six months into 2024, schools are still grappling with the confusion and disruptions caused by changes to the DLP.
“We urge Wong to stop sleeping on the job or pretending to be asleep and immediately fix the chaos,” Tan said in a separate statement.
While pointing out that MCA does not oppose the government’s determination to strengthen Bahasa Malaysia, he said it should be done by enhancing the language’s curriculum instead of teaching Science and Mathematics in Bahasa Malaysia.
“It’s akin to not hiring a Physical Education teacher to teach Mathematics or a Mathematics teacher to teach Physical Education.
“The solution should address the weakness directly and improve it.” - Mkini
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