Media Statement
by DAP Sabah Affairs Bureau Director, Teresa Kok
in Petaling Jaya
on Friday, 25 October 2002

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Chong Kah Kiat should resign from his post as the Liberal Democrat Party (LDP) President since he had failed to express the party's stand on the issue of teaching Maths and Science in English to the Chinese community

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Chong Kah Kiat should resign from his post as the Liberal Democrat Party (LDP) President since he had failed to express the party's stand on the issue of teaching Maths and Science in English to the Chinese community.

Chong said the decision was in line with the party's stand to support whatever decision made by the Federal Cabinet on the matter. NST Wednesday quoted him as saying, "We are leaving it to the Federal Cabinet to decide. I don't see a need for us to have any further discussion."

The remark reflects the irresponsibility and careless manner of a president of a ruling component. As a representative of the people, he shouldn't make such statement but should instead present the people views to the cabinet on this issue.

In fact, this has exposed the unprofessional and lazy phenomenon in the BN government.

NGOs and opposition parties have presented various facts and reports shows the proposal of teaching Maths and Science in English by the government to improve the English standard of the students will only result in the students finding it difficult to learn both the subjects. They believe the only way to improve the standard of English is to focus on improving the teaching quality and programs, creating an English speaking environment and through other means.

LDP is one of the component parties of the BN government. It should therefore voice the people's needs during the meeting of the Federal Cabinet. Unfortunately it chose to be absent. Hence, the people in Sabah should realize the true colours of the LDP and should vote for their rights in the coming general elections.