Two groups want Government to ignore PPSMI debate

Two pressure groups have called on the government to ignore a call for a debate on the “flexible approach” on the medium of instruction for Science and Mathematics, citing that it will lead to nowhere.

In Alor Setar, the Kedah Federation of Peninsular Malay Students (GPMS) has described the polemics over the Teaching of Science and Mathematics in English Policy (PPSMI) were a waste of time and should be stopped.

Its chairman, Shamsul Bahar Abdul Rani said instead efforts should be focused on measures to improve English proficiency by strengthening the syllabus.

“All quarters must accept the abolition of the PPSMI with an open heart and what is important now is the implementation of a comprehensive plan in the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics in schools.

“Kedah GPMS proposes that the Education System Enhancement Committee’s findings on the policy to be made public to enable various quarters to evaluate them and provide appropriate recommendations in everybody’s interest,” he said in a statement yesterday.

He was commenting on a call by the Parent Action Group for Education (Page) for a review on the decision to abolish the PPSMI which would be replaced by the Upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening the Command of English policy starting next year.

Shamsul Bahar said GPMS did not belittle the importance of mastering English and fully support ongoing efforts to produce students who excel in foreign languages.

In George Town, Penang Malay Association president Mohd Yussof Latiff said PPSMI detractors should be aware of disadvantages faced by some students and teachers, especially in rural schools.

“English should be taught as a language rather than forcing students to learn Science and Mathematics in English,” he said, adding that the command of English as a lingua franca among students should be strengthened as a subject.

He said the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics in English would be in disarray in the hands of teachers with poor command of English and would be more confusing if both English and Bahasa Malaysia were used interchangeably.

– Bernama