No other language but English

I have always restrained from making any comments when it concerns the religion or education matters.

The only time when I do so is perhaps during my leisure hang-outs with friends, from both the political and social circles, that I daringly do so because of the immense wrath that I may earn if I go public for the fact that these two subjects are ultra sensitive which could touch one’s nerves.

So this week I finally decided to pen my point of views concerning the issue of teaching of Science and Mathematics in English language which has caused endless debates since its inception six years ago.

Now that the final decision is yet to be made by the Cabinet which is still awaiting report from the Ministry of Education, with facts and figures I supposed, on whether to continue the teaching of the two subjects in English, it is just fair for every concern Malaysian like me to voice out on the issue.

I am deeply enraged by a group of protesters whom had taken to the street in Kuala Lumpur recently to protest the use of English in Science and Mathematics as this group of protesters does not represent the majority Malaysians whom have remained silent.

The only thing that this group of protesters could earn my little respect is when they knew how to exercise their universal right of freedom of expression albeit for the wrong reason as far as I am concerned.

Former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was a visionary and far looking statesman who earns every Malaysian’s respect for building a nation to what it is today and for his final moment decision as a Prime Minister in implementing the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English despite the many criticisms leveled against him.

I agree with many out there who keep silent and whom I have spoken with on this issue that the government ought to continue the use of the international lingua franca as a medium of instruction in these two subjects.

Many friends of mine have acknowledged that the English language standard among the younger generation is deteriorating if compared to the yesteryears when the medium of instruction was in English before it was eventually switched to Malay language.

Just ask any employers on the standard of the English among jobseekers and you may hear the common laments on the deplorable standard which does not need my further berating.
I must count myself lucky that my parents decided to send me to the La Sallian mission school throughout my primary and secondary level that I enjoyed the privilege of having a conducive environment which allowed me to use English language extensively.

While the arguments on the right approach will continue, I kind of agree with a friend who is an Australian graduate in his 40’s that the government should go back to the previous education system where mother tongues were used to teach Science and Mathematics at primary school level.

As these students go to the secondary level, all the subjects will be taught in English language and I must say this is the best way to address the stalemate which has kept the government being indecisive for too long for fear of political backlash.

Of course efforts must also be taken to encourage the use of other languages such as Chinese due to the fact that China is an economic super powerhouse now which requires one to master the language.

But the government and politicians must understand that whatever decision made would have repercussions in the long run and should any decision made is based solely on political consideration, then these politicians are just being selfish and not fit to occupy the higher up for they cannot see what the future lies if such wrong decision in made.

I must stress that the use of English in the education system does not make us less Malaysian nor disloyal to the country.

I am amassed but not surprised when I was having long conversation and discussion with two diplomatic officers from Singapore who were in the city last year who speak impeccable standard English with confidence.

But the same cannot be said of some of our civil servants who struggle to construct even a simple grammatical correct English conversation.

But who are we to blame for this sorry state of English standard if we, for any selfish reasons, object to the use of English in our education system?

The fingers of course cannot be solely pointed at politicians as we too should bear the responsibility for we all know that politicians are only concerned about getting their most treasured votes to stay in power.

I rest my case that English is the way to go.