Dear Dato Alimuddin
Assalamualaikum wbth
1. First and foremost, thank you for inviting me for the round table forum discussion with regards to the use of English in the teaching of Maths and Science, which was first introduced 6 years ago. Due to unavoidable business reasons, I am not able to attend the said discussion. As such, I have decided to pen down my thoughts for you and your officials to consider.
2. The question that keeps popping up in my mind is why the second thoughts now? Let us rewind back to 1970 where BM was made the medium of instruction in education. I remember the difficulty of going trough sitting for the standard five exams in Malay and the difficulty of being the first batch to sits for SRP and SPM. All this was done in the name of national unity and was done in promoting the national language. I agree and was all for it then and even now.
3. Now, after 38 years, can we say that National language is now widely used in Malaysia? Yes it is. There is no Terengganu, Kelantan, Sabah, Sarawak dialect and most people can talk to each other in Malay comfortably. In fact, I would say that I am amazed that quite a large number of non-Malay students do well in the BM papers. Has it brought us closer from the point of National Integration? In my opinion, No it has not. The reason being, to develop a real homogenous and integrated society is like making a good soup. We require many different spices and ingredients. Unfortunately, while the language is one of the ingredients, the rest is missing. Hence, today, we see a totally divided society along ethnic lines. The fact that we still recognize our neighbour as Indian, Chinese, Malay, Non Malay etc clearly indicated that we have failed to integrate since 1957.
4. The impact of the decision by our ancestors 38 years ago still hounds us today. Many of our children are not able to communicate properly in English. As a result, they have reduced their marketability. Today many of our local graduates have lost their competitiveness in getting a job. Many cannot go far in their career. The loss is not only restricted to the individual but it has an indirect cost to the nation. The strength of a Nation is very much dependant on the quality of its people. Today, the nation has now become less competitive. Economically, politically we are sliding. The people can no longer live under a coconut shell and think that the rain and shine will not affect them. Today, Alan Greenspan has a cold in the US, the whole world stock market shivers. Today the whole world economics, political and social landscape is connected globally.
5. It is quite sad to note that as a result of some short sighted views of people in UMNO, the Ministry is even considering and having a second thoughts on the project that was introduced six years ago. The argument that was put forward by political scientist and politicians holds no water. Their argument is without basis. 38 years of history has shown it. Isn’t that is enough experimentation? What are trying to do? Are we trying to bring this nation down to its knees? This emotional and lack of foresight politician speaks with their personal political agenda. It is up to us, the government servants to ensure what is good for the nation. We are talking about our children future and not someone political aspirations.
6. The sad thing about Malaysia is that there is no separation between the power of the politicians and government machinery powers. It is so inter-wind that people in the top position of the government are a slave to the politicians. Having said that, I proposed that the Ministry consider the following measures:
a. The ministry of Education must have controlled on the education policy and not the politicians.
b. The MOE being the custodian of Education system provider in Malaysia must continue the program they started 6 years ago.
c. MOE should consider creating a system where they provide the options to parents to choose the types of school that they want their children to go trough.
d. It is proposed that the MOE initiates a school level discussions at every school in the country and get a feedback from the parents directly on the medium of instruction that the parents wants their children to learn the Maths and English subject. After all the, it is a common knowledge that the customers knows best and parents is the important customers in this matter.
e. If the parents of a particular school has decided to continue with the existing system then they should remain so. If majority of parents that want to revert to the old system then the particular school can go ahead and do so.
f. Parents of new children that are enrolling into Std 1 can chose the school that they want their children to attend.
g. In the later phase MOE can then streamline and determine the number of schools that need to continue teaching maths and science in English based on supply and demand.
I believe there is greater demand among parents in the city and suburbs who understand the need to have a strong second language for their children to master.
h. In this way, the MOE is giving equal opportunity to all parents to chose. Let those UMNO members, politicians, political and language scholars who feel very strongly about the need to use BM in the teaching of Maths and Science to send their children to those 100% Malay schools. I also suggest that MOE do a study after implementing my proposal and this and see how many of these politicians and scholars actually choose Malay schools.
7. The above suggestion was made after taking into account the following considerations.
a. It will provide opportunity for parents to choose what is best for their children.
b. It will accommodate the demand by UMNO and Malay scholars.
c. It will give the opportunity to UMNO and Malay scholars who are inclined in the use of BM in the teaching of maths and science the option to send their children to such school.
d. Historically, it has been proven that our decision to abandon English as the medium of instruction 38 years ago has an impact on the nation.
e. The limited use of English in the 2 subjects does not have any significant impact on Nation building.
f. There are many other subjects that are being thought in Malay and this would continue being used as a tool to promote national unity and identity.
g. The use of English in Maths and Science has a very small impact on the Malay language itself.
f. Lastly, we must think what is best for the nation in the current competitive global environment.
Dato, I hope you consider my views on this matter and use it as a discussion point during the round table meeting. I thank you for your consideration. Wassalam.
Assalamualaikum dato’ yang saya kasihi…Saya yang lemah ini memohon agar pihak dato’ mengkaji semula tentang keputusan mengenai pengambilan 10 subjek sahaja dalam Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia(SPM),walaupun langkah ini tidak menyusahkan pelajar yang mengambil aliran sains tetapi bagaimana pula pelajar aliran agama yang mahu mengambil aliran sains? Bagaimana pula nasib pelajar agama islam ini pada masa hadapan? Saya rasa dato’ lebih memahami hal pelajar aliran agama ini daripada saya…Saya harap dato’ mengambil perhatian sepenuhnya tentang hal ini..Semoga pelajar agama islam akan mencapai tahap kegemilangan tamadun islam pada masa dahulu yang mana telah banyak melahirkan ilmuan yang terunggul dan dikagumi oleh ilmuan barat.Saya harap Dato’ Alimudin mengerti…
Sekian terima kasih..
Assalamualaikumwarahmatullahiwabarakatuh..
More on our schools.
The number of subjects in school and corresponding evaluation methods should also be reviewed, in particular, Moral Studies. This, along with Religion and Civics, can/should be taught, but not as an exam subject. The evaluation should be in the report card under ‘Kelakuan’, where, even in the most subjective case, gives a more reliable indicator of the person’s ‘morals’ instead of a figure/grade in the exam slip. All the more so when we see the way it is graded at present – it is so obviously immoral !
Folios, words to ‘ampu’ the teacher who is overseeing the subject – the fake proofs of moral behaviour ( a photo showing ‘ me helping my parents ‘ etc ) are compulsory ! The binding and all that – is revulsive!
As I said, perhaps combine all three into ‘Civics’, and let the evaluation be in the form of the class teacher’s report. Then we shall likely get the substance back, not just the ‘form’ – a lying form at that! As with KBKK and others, all this should merentasi kurikulum.
This could reduce the vandalism and other social problems in our society today – which i feel is, partially at least, the result of the introduction of all the ‘moral’ subjects into our present curriculum. Plus of course the format of ‘evaluation’.
Regarding the math and sc in pri sch.
The periods now allocated for sc and mt in english can be used for ‘extra’ language periods, to make sure the students can read, write and maybe count before they go on to phase two. Whatever science and maths terms or even other subjects can be incorporated into these ‘extra subjects’. Students who can’t read or write should be retained in phase one and given remedial work till they can. Otherwise they will go on to secondary school unable to follow lessons, get bored and cause trouble for everyone. All the more so when action cannot be taken due to the teachers’ hands being tied by a hundred and one ‘rules’, written and unwritten. We must know and acknowledge that some humans, being ‘frail’ and ‘weak’ are actually, at a certain stage/age, capable only of being trained rather than taught. We need to know that all humans are different and respond differently to appropriate methods of teaching/discipline. Do not tie teachers’ hands on this discipline matter. ‘Psychological’ methods – the soft, ‘counselling’ approach only works for certain students. ‘Fear’ of the rotan is actually itself a form of psychology, effective when used appropriately, on some students.
Automatic promotion should be reviewed.
Let’s not fear the ‘keciciran’ problem. If a person has no inclination at all for academics, ‘forcing’ him to higher classes won’t help. It only creates problems for the ‘baby-sitters’ without power in the upper classes. Let those said students enter UM – universiti masyarakat – and learn the hard way – either a skill or trade. The important thing is not a cert that doesn’t tell the truth anyway. Let us give priority to benar rather than maruah.
Vinns7 ,
First and foremost to foster integration & unity among the various races everyone must be comfortable & able to communicate in one language. That is BM for Malaysia our national language. And this is the policy that must be accepted by all Malaysians.
English is a very important language at the global level and that is why I suggested the Government must also put extra emphasis in the English subject in education at all levels such that all students can have good command in written and spoken English.
Integrity & unity should not have anything to do with doing away with our rich culture , heritage & language and that is why government aided primary schools in the mother tongue should be implemented by the Government.
I agree that there is more than language that binds people of all races. That is why tolerance amongst the various races is very much important. At the end of it all it is the social & economic balances that will bind everyone regardless of races . Nobody wants to be a kuli to a towkay , right !That’s the problem with Acheh , South Thais & Moros. The socio economic deprivation in that part of the world.
One of the other subjects they must consider teaching in English is Prinsip Akuan. (Principal Accounts)
How many accountants or book keepers use BM in keeping their accounts? Most of the financial reports in Malaysia are in English. Accounting computer programs are mostly in English.
We know that most of the students are comfortable with Maths and Science in English. Those felt uncomfortable are the politicians. They have reasons best known to them.
AK,
There are more reasons for the people of a country to be united other than languages. Is Thailand united? Is Indonesia united; having mono language school?
Southern Thailand’s unrest, Indonesia’s Acheh separatist are just two of the examples. Is unity means anything to them?
When a Chinese and an Indian met, they would use BM to communicate. How else could they expressed themselves. Can this be part of unity?
What is wrong with “still recognize our neighbour as Indian, Chinese, Malay, Non-Malay?”
God has created us … “nations and tribes that ye may know one another.” (Hujuraat, 12.)
I think that is one of the beauty of being Malaysian.
Integrity and unity should not have anything to do with doing away with our rich culture and heritage. Instead it should be also about respecting our differences.
I agree with your proposals / opinions , but sadly , opine that the ruling Government of the day dominates the policies of the MOE . Don’t expect any heroics against the dictates of their Political Masters . This is the reality check of democracy at work.
If individuals wish to influence the education ” policies ” then they must cast their votes accordingly to reflect their desires for the good of their future generations .
IF , one holds the opinion that point 7(d) as valid , then one should hold that Government responsible and cast your vote true to this belief in the next elections , to facilitate the fruition of your proposals ??
Ak
I agree BM is important and is the based of our “good soup”
but I do not think continuing the teaching of English in 2 subjects (Maths and Sc) would have a significant impact on the soup. It is only 2 subjects. The continuation of the teaching this 2 subjects do not make the SK as an English Medium. In my interpretation, English Medium schools teach all subjects in English except BM and Arab.
I am not asking to change to Engish medium. Only continue what has been practiced for the past 6 years i.e. teaching maths and science in English
The acceptance & practice of BM by all Malaysian in walks of life is of paramount importance. This is the base ingredient in the soup. We are talking about national integrity & unity here and it has to be national language of BM common to ALL as in the Constitution.
Agree SK , SKC & SKT must come under the ambit of MOE & finance fully by the Government. It has also to be regulated by the Government. Agree that the parents be left with the choice of quality education be it in SK , SKC & SKT. BUT the spices for the soup is in the mother tongue for the Malays , Chinese & Indians. All races should learn their heritage , culture & language at the primary level which I think is sufficient. Secondary education should be ALL in BM.
English as the global language must be emphasised at ALL levels. This subject must be expanded to cover communication skills in English & English literature.Bring in British expats to teach english in schools if that is the solution.BUT do not run away from the problem by reverting to English as the medium of instruction.
I fully agree with Dr. Raffick and Seng. I feel that “Kemahiran Hidup” need to be taught in English as well. Many English words are used in this subject which being taught in BM.
Dear Ali (AK)
1. The article is not about blaming anyone. UMNO was specifically singled out because it was in the last 2 General Assembly that this issue was first raised and was push forward by its delegates.
2. The issue of being racist does not come into picture here. In my humble opinion, I think the education policy has failed because they allow political parties to built colleges and Universities. UMNO has UiTM, via KUB a University (forgot the name),MCA has UTAR, MIC has a Medical School, Gerakan has Univ Wawasan. Now I heard PPP also wants to have a University.
To me BN govt has failed in this respect. In my mind all SK, SKT, SKC must come under the ambit of MOE. MOE then offer various programs and then let parents decide. From many chinese parents that I talked to that send their children to SKC, they send their children to SKC not because of the langugage or trying to preserve their mother tongue but because they felt the quality of education there is better than SK. To a small extent, I agree with them on this issue
3. As I mention, National intergration requires more ingredients than just language (just like a good soup). Historically since 1970, I think we have move far apart then closer because many other ingredients is lacking
4. The use of English in Maths/Science is important beyond literacy. It is about marketability and about global competitiveness. Sad to say the grasp of the English language is worst among the Malays compared to the Chinese and Indians. It is because of this, Malay political parties must pushed the idea of continue using English
5. From what I gather from people in MOE, the other reason why the political masters wants to revert back to the old system because many students in the rural areas having problem coping with it. While I agree with the problem but I cannot agree on the solution. If there is weaknesses among the rural students, then we must intensify our effort and conduct extra programs there and not run away from the problems
Sorry , got the spelling of “tongue” wrong !
I’ll go for the following:
1. All subjects be taught in BM. The reason is obvious -national integrity & unity ; look to Indonesia & Thailand.
2. Education in the mother tounge allowed only at primary level. Education at secondary level be taught only in BM.
3. English being an important global language should not be abandoned. It has to be taught in greater depth (including English Literature) at both primary & secondary levels and make a compulsory passing so that students take this subject seriously.
Blaming UMNO solely and not MCA & MIC is grossly unfair. All three main component parties in the BN are to share the blame in the failed education policy. Are you saying that only Malays are racist ? The Chinese & Indians are not ? Why then are they fighting to raise Chinese & Indian tertiary education ? Don’t tell me teaching in English as the option is the convenient answer that will satisfy all parties !What about acceptance by all Malaysians that BM is our national language ?
In summary , there must be a willingness by all races;
a) accept BM as our national language
b)Unless & until a) is widely practised by all Malaysians in Malaysia there will be no national integrity & unity.
c) a choice aided by the Government be allowed for primary education in the mother tounge. Sufficient for the particular races to understand their heritage & culture. All secondary education to be in BM.
d) emphasis in the education of the English language as a compulsory subject at all levels for all Malaysians is a must.
Much have been spoken about the government’s flipflopping over the BM-English language issue and the country’s deterioration in competitiveness as a result.
The minister nor the cabinet nor the PM are not bothered – so continue to spit in the wind, folks!
It’s about the enslavement of the people! UMNO wants the Malays to depend on them, to eat out off their hands. If the people become too clever, how then can the dumb ministers continue to bluff them, to lead them by their nose?
1. My own thoughts on this subject is that whether it is English, Bahasa or another language is clearly an Education POLICY decision. We must always keep in mind the best interest of our nation’s education needs. We must always remember the purpose of formal education – I believe to prepare our children as best as possible to face today’s increasingly globalized and competitive world should be the primary goal of any formal education system. More importantly, it should be independent of politics.
2. The world is increasingly globalized and increasingly competitive. Global progress will not stop and wait for Malaysia to catch up. Malaysia cannot afford to limit doing business with Bahasa speaking nations alone. If Malaysia’s progress do not keep pace with the rest of the world, we’ll be left behind.
3. English is the “lingua franca” today, although in 5, 10, 20 years time, Chinese and Tamil will become increasingly predominant, due to the huge population in both China and India, and the “economic miracle” in both nations. The Indians also uses English. More and more Chinese are also able to master the English language. From a macro and global perspective, English has been and is the “lingua franca” of the world, and will continue to be so in 20 years time.
Ideally, we should be good at every languages, but we should never ignore the importance of English.
4. To just study English alone as a separate subject like Chinese or Tamil is hugely inadequate, if it is not applied in other subjects like Science, Maths, Businesses, etc. Theory without practice nor application is superficial, and practically useless.
5. In the technical fields of science and technology, these are specialized, extremely challenging and competitive fields. We should not handicap our smartest Malaysians with language barriers, when their competitors in the English speaking countries do not have any. In the fields of research, why handicap ourselves through artificial language barriers?
6. My own personal experience with Mathematics is that it relies less on language, but still nevertheless pose problems if its taught in a language different from the sciences. So, it makes sense to be consistent with Science.
7. We must remember that our goal is to provide our children with the best preparation possible, when they graduate. For many people, this is after graduating from local uni, for others it may be after secondary school. It is critical that English is widely used in University, and used widely at secondary school level. Primary school level may be compromised, although I would prefer to see English being used more widely as early as possible.
8. I’m sure any forward thinking individual can see the importance of English in the globalized world.
9. National unity requires everyone to be able to communicate with each other. That’s undeniable. But logically speaking, this can be done through any language and not just Bahasa.
10. Bahasa is of course our culture, and one where the majority of our population speaks readily. As Malaysians, it is important that we also master Bahasa at the same time. To me, it would makes sense to use Bahasa in the Arts subjects since much of the Arts are local in context. Also, it can be argued that Arts and subjects like History are less “competitive” in the globalized world, since they are unique to each country.
11. Malaysians need to be realistic in its goals – we are simply in no position to impose the rest of the world to use Bahasa Malaysia as the “lingua franca”.
12. The MOE should invite feedback from as many industry leaders as possible (e.g. leading scientists, engineers, doctors, mathematicians, economists, businessmen, historians, politicians, etc.) on whether the present problem is one that hinders their progress the most is one of inadequate English or Bahasa.
Diversity should be our greatest strength, not our greatest enemy.
Seng.