When did Mahathir mention PPSMI?

Criticisms continue to pour in over Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's latest remarks about restoring the teaching of Mathematics and Science in English (PPSMI).

Questions abound as to whether Mahathir had consulted his cabinet ministers about the issue.

When asked, Finance Minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said the proposal to teach Science and Mathematics had been raised in Cabinet.

Asked when was the matter discussed in Cabinet, Lim replied "some time ago".

Lim was responding to Mahathir, who is also acting education minister, who has called for the teaching of Science and Mathematics in to be in English.

However, when probed further on the matter, Lim expressed uncertainties about Mahathir's remarks.

"Did he mention about PPSMI? I have to check because reports can be false," he said.

Lim said DAP is all for the dual learning programme where parents are given the option to decide the matter for their children.

"I am sure the PM's proposal was meant to strengthen the teaching of Science and Mathematics.

"Anyhow, we will be discussing the matter again in the cabinet," He said.

Lim was in Penang to attend the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal upgrading project ceremony.

Accompanying him were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook and Penang Port chairperson Jeffrey Chew Gim Eam.

The Prime Minister was quoted as saying that the mastery of English was a vital element of education.

Mahathir was also quoted as saying that Geography and History can come in any language but Science and Mathematics are not indigenous fields of knowledge, it comes from abroad.

"Most of it comes to us in English. Therefore, we are going to use English in the teaching of Science and Mathematics. That means we don't confuse people.

"We find those who study Science in Malay cannot work where English is required," he reportedly said.

Several PKR leaders have issued statements to reject Mahathir's proposal, saying it was an old idea, some questioned why there was no plan to strengthen the national language.

Their criticisms came in the wake of a video of Mahathir's remarks uploaded on his official Youtube account this afternoon.

The clip does not mention how or when the new teaching policy would be implemented. - Mkini