GAPENA discourse on the use of Bahasa Malaysia in Science and Mathematics in School, 14 September 08 at Rumah Gapena, Kuala Lumpur, with Prof. Datuk Latiff Bakar chairing.On his right is Prof. Datuk Dr. Zainal Kling.
2008/09/14
Revert to Bahasa, urge writers
By : Jennifer Gomez
KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry has erred in allowing the use of English in the teaching of Mathematics and Science because it goes against the spirit of the National Education Policy that acknowledges Bahasa Malaysia as the medium of instruction in schools.
As such, the education minister should take responsibility if the government does not revert to teaching the subjects in Bahasa Malaysia.
Tan Sri Prof. Dr. Ismail Husein, "The Grand old Man" of Gapena is not amused.14 Sept. 08 pix.
This is the stand of the Federation of National Writers Association after a two-hour round-table dialogue yesterday, attended by 44 representatives from universities and 32 non-governmental organisations.
The association's central committee member Datuk Zainal Kling said it was agreed by all those present that Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein should step down if the policy was not reverted.
He stressed, however, that they were not against improving the standard of English among students.
"English should be encouraged as a second language and sufficient funds be channelled to ensure that proficiency is enhanced. But we must use the right pedagogy to teach English and not let it interfere with the teaching of other subjects, for instance Science and Mathematics," he said.
Some of the 44-strong participants in the two-hour round-table discourse at Rumah Gapena, 14 September 08.
Their call, he added, was supported by facts, surveys and examination results that proved the teaching of the subjects in English had not brought about the desired benefits.
Zainal said Bahasa Malaysia had proven to be a more effective medium of instruction over the last 30 years.
The current policy would sideline the national language and cause it to become a language for a limited group of people, mainly rural folk.
He said this would result in Bahasa Malaysia losing its significance as a national language that united Malaysians. (NST Online, 14 Sept. 08)
Comments:
One partcipant bluntly whispered: Enough is enough of this unnecessary problem. Why don't we strictly follow the Constitution and the National Education Policy. And for God's sake, do not ignore the UPSR 2007 statistics.I've lost my voice arguing."
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