Our schools had practiced for the past 30 years before few years ago, that teaching of these subjects changed from Bahasa Malaysia to English.
I was one of the product of the then education system; that the subjects being taught in Bahasa Malaysia. It was OK until Form 6. I started to feel the pressure of language barrier. Whereas the reference books and others during the tertiary education was in English (I entered Universiti Malaya in 1984). I really felt uncertain and busy handling these languages. Lectures and notes were conducted in Bahasa Malaysia whislt text book and reference books all in English. Poshing of the additional effort and time spent, I think it is proper to start earlier than before.
Knowing the change of medium instruction perceived needy competitive environment, I salute the courage and braveness of our previous adminstrator including Tun Mahathir, to trigger the change. I still agree with this system now.
Change of words and opinions on this medium of instruction issue is going on now. Cabinet is on the edge to make decision. Some still wonder whether to support due to political pressure. I suggest we should continue the ruling. Perhaps we may make some changes and alternative measure such as giving some options of the selection of medium for instruction of these subjects. I listen to what Muhyiddin said that he is set English as mandatory passing subject. It implies that the Government is forced to give in to retreat to the former system.
Learning science and maths in English does not change the world. It provides a seed of convenience for everyone of us. Some may want to choose to learn in Bahasa Melayu so be it.
World change, and it becomes global. Some may choose the convenience to learn with faster pace. Millions of school children in China now pick up English since Primary One. Some study science and maths subjects both in English and Mandarin.
I am a Cinapek. My children speak English with me and not Hakka or Mandarin.
I speak fluent Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin and English, so do our children. We ask around and there is only and only one country in the world - Malaysia (Not even Singapore), that the children being taught in three languages (if they choose to do so. I am proud to be one of them.
This ia an added advantage. I suggest we don't misinterprete the authenticity. We are flexible enough to deal the British, American and Chinese etc and speak their language. We have our identity. We speak Bahasa Melayu among ourselves if we want to discuss in private of decision during the negotiation with them. Its simply they do not have the chance to live with this unique education system of Malaysia
Ladies and Gentlemen, please maintain the ruling. Just improve the delivery system if need be.
