PETALING JAYA: Scrap the policy of teaching Science and Mathematics in English and bring back Bahasa Melayu as the medium of instruction in the education system, said Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He urged for the return of Bahasa Melayu’s status as the supreme language, which included using it as the medium to teach Maths and Science in national schools and strengthening its usage in Chinese and Tamil schools.
“This issue has become a controversy for far too long. We consider this policy a betrayal towards Bahasa Melayu as our official language,” hetold a press conference Sunday.
He, however, conceded to the importance of mastering English and agreed that there should be constructive steps taken to improve the usage and understanding of the language.
“But how we do it should be decided by educationists and with consideration towards the national education policy. This includes not forcing our children to pass English as a compulsory subject in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia as this will result in many students, especially in rural areas to fail,” he said.
On another matter, Anwar questioned Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s sincerity when announcing the Government’s plan to introduce a new category of Public Service Department (PSD) scholarships based purely on merit.
“Last time, when I suggested it, I was called a Chinese agent and a traitor to Malays,” he said.
Anwar also lauded PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat’s proposal to have a debate with Najib.
He said an open debate would be the best way to clear up the accusations that were thrown towards the Tok Guru.
