Teaching of Science and Mathematics in English

Recently there’s been a lot of speculation on the subject. Well, you don’t have to be Einstein to know which camp I’m on. I think that English is definitely what we need.

In the NST, the Parents Action Group for Education sent an appeal for the teaching in English to be continued. They counter-argued upon 7 points (here I put 6, the italics are my own thoughts):

• The policy has not relegated the superiority of Bahasa Malaysia (currently not Melayu)
This is an unjust and ridiculous statement (that it has relegated the ‘superiority of BM’)! Come ON! BM is used in BM, Geografi, Sejarah, KH, Moral, PJK, Seni and Sivik. English is only used in English, Science and Mathematics. Do the math (no pun intended)!

• That English cannot be taught through Science and Mathematics is inaccurate
I don’t understand why it can’t be taught in English. There are enough reference materials.

• Science and Math can be taught in English instead of the student’s mother tongue
If you teach from a young age, you will find that it is very easy for them to learn. Children are not dumb. Given opportunity they can – they just need a good teacher (thank goodness my mum is one, and my dad)

• There are enough resources to teach in English
Mentioned above.

• That the statement that examination results declined upon implementation is unfair
Yea! I mean, you only asked the ones who just had English implemented. Try the UPSR/08 ones, they were the first batch of full-fledged English learners.

• We shouldn’t follow the Chinese, Japanese and Koreans in using the mother tongue
Not to be depreciating or anything… but we haven’t reached that level yet. We are still developing. English is good for industry – where are you going to use Malay besides this little country?

Don’t sacrifice the future generation for short-term ease! English is very important, whether in daily life or at work. Do what is right. There’s a saying in Chinese (roughly translated): The first plant the trees, the second sit in its shade. Be the tree planter, even if it takes a lot to tend to it.