PARLIAMENT | Issues surrounding the implementation of the Dual Language Programme in schools were among matters raised by lawmakers from both sides of the house during committee stage debates on allocations for the Education Ministry.
Radzi Jidin (PN-Putrajaya) cited reported concerns from education groups on the latest implementation of the DLP policy in some schools - first introduced in 2015 - which has created confusion among parents.
The former education minister said he had received several complaints from parents in Kuala Lumpur who claimed that certain schools had backtracked on their decision to allow students to learn mathematics and science in English under the DLP policy.
“I received complaints from parents regarding the DLP and what I can conclude is that the policy that was communicated through a circular was not clear.
“The parents were promised that their children who entered Standard 1 would be studying under the DLP but were later informed that they would be transferred to a normal programme instead,” Radzi said, adding that the parents are unclear about the ministry’s direction and that the ministry should provide an explanation regarding the matter.
Similarly, Teresa Kok (Harapan-Seputeh) said an administrative board for Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan has appealed to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Education Ministry to allow the schools to continue teaching the two subjects in English.
“This is the desire of the parents and teachers’ associations, and (it is) also in line with the prime minister's announcement to strengthen the use of English next year,” said Teresa.
Strict DLP conditions
Meanwhile, Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam) questioned the supposed new conditions for schools to carry out DLP classes, including that it must have a minimum of one full class per school learning the subjects in Bahasa Melayu.
Among others, Wee said related concerns were raised by the Parent Action Group for Education (page) since earlier this year.
“What is the need to make it more strict on the conditions for the DLP? I do not see the justification to make it stricter,” he said.
Despite the lengthy questions, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek did not address the MPs' concerns in the 25 minutes allocated for her winding-up speech that touched on a range of other issues, including an overall commitment to address shortages of teachers.
This prompted Radzi to stand and request the Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul to grant her more time, to which he acceded and Fadhlina requested for an additional five minutes.
However, she only spent two minutes reassuring Radzi and the other MPs that there are “no changes” to the existing DLP guidelines for all schools with 100 percent of classes teaching mathematics and science in English this year.
“Don't worry about English. There are many other programmes and policies to strengthen English.
“The DLP is just a programme. Don't worry, there are other approaches that we (ministry) have done to strengthen (the) English (language) among our students,” she said.
According to the Education Ministry, there are currently 2,240 schools implementing the DLP policy nationwide, comprising 1,613 primary schools and 807 secondary schools. - Mkini
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