Media Statement by Loke Siew Fook in Petaling Jaya on Thursday, 18^th June 2009:

Study all implications of SPM subjects cap and improve the teaching of English language

DAPSY welcomes the decision by the Ministry of Education to limit number of SPM subjects taken by students to 10 starting from 2010. This is also one of DAPSY’s suggestions to the government as stated in the movement’s memorandum to the Prime Minister on PSD scholarships dated 18 May.

However, DAPSY must urge the Ministry to study all implications which may arise from this move and figure out the best way to implement it. Steps must be taken to ensure that every student will be given a choice to sit for elective subjects particularly language subjects such as Chinese Language and English Literature.

With this move, a review of pre-University entry requirements for each course in both the public and private higher educational sector may be needed. The limit in SPM subjects will also limit study routes of students from commerce and arts streams in secondary schools. As they may only be able to take one or two science subjects once the cap is in place, they may not be able to switch to a science-based course in tertiary level, unless higher educational institutions revise their entry requirements.

As for the proposal to make English Language a compulsory pass subject in SPM, DAPSY supports it in principle, but wants to remind the Ministry to be serious in improving the quality of teaching for English lessons in schools. With proper education and guidance on the English language, we will not have to worry about rural students being disadvantaged.

* Loke Siew Fook, DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) National Chairman & MP for Rasah