DAP calls for open and public discussion as  to how the standards of English could be raised in Chinese primary schools without affecting their distinctive character as the continued use of mother-tongue to teach maths and science  

(Petaling Jaya, Tuesday): DAP calls for an open and public discussion as to how the standards of English could be raised in Chinese primary schools without affecting their distinctive character as the continued use of mother-tongue to teach mathematics and science.  

The stance taken by MCA President, Datuk Seri Dr. Ling Liong Sik, to sweep "underground" all discussion on the proposed use of English to teach mathematics and science in Chinese primary schools is not only undemocratic and unprofessional, but will not yield the best result to find the most effective way to raise the standards of English in Chinese primary schools without affecting the character of Chinese primary schools or jeopardising the consistently higher academic performance of Chinese primary school pupils in mathematics, science and English as compared to national primary schools.  

 The special Cabinet meeting last Friday decided that science and Mathematics will be taught in English in Standard One, Form One and Lower Six in all national schools next year, but that for the Chinese  primary schools, the decision would be made by the Chinese-based component parties in the Barisan Nasional.  

It is most  unfortunate that the special Cabinet meeting last Friday did not take the courageous step to make English a compulsory pass subject for all public examinations, which would be the most effective way to impress on all students the seriousness of improving their Engish proficiency. 

The Education Minister, Tan Sri Musa Mohamad should make public the Abdul Rafie Mahat committee report on the use of English to teach mathematics and science in primary schools for public study and discussion.  

The question of the standards of English in Chinese primary schools should be treated solely as an educational and not a political problem, which unfortunately is the full implication of the special Cabinet decision to let the decision to be made by  MCA, Gerakan and SUPP. 

This is why DAP had suggested that the Cabinet should set up a special task force comprising representatives from the Education Ministry, interested political parties whether in government or opposition,  Dong Jiao Zong  and other educational/civic organisations to draw up a masterplan to raise the standards of English in Chinese prrimary schools without jeopardising the character of Chinese primary schools or the academic performance of the students in mathematics and science. 

(24/7/2002)