Media statement
by Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew, DAP National Publicity Secretary and Education Bureau Chairman
on Wednesday, 30 October 2002

 in Petaling Jaya

The Cabinet should conduct a thorough and scientific study instead of pressing for the switch to English blindly. They must be bold enough to admit that even the leaders of the component parties have not reached a consensus

The Malaysian Cabinet is meeting today to make a final decision on the implementation of the controversial switch to English. For the past one week, Cabinet ministers have been making conflicting statements on the issue, and some irresponsible UMNO leaders have threatened to withdraw all aids for the Chinese primary schools in the event that the English switch is rejected. And yesterday, the de- facto Law Minister Datuk Dr Rais Yatim even talked about arresting all those who disagree with the switch under the Sedition Act.

It would be a forgone conclusion if not because the next general elections is just around the corner. The BN leaders would have bulldozed through with the switch without a blink. It is clear now that even their party members are not convinced of the switch. It is therefore unthinkable for them to risk upsetting the voters at this point of time.

It is not too late for the Cabinet to rethink about the drastic change. The question of "losing face" does not arise. Even those who opposed the switch have expressed their support for the enhancement of the English proficiency.

The Cabinet should conduct a thorough and scientific study instead of pressing the issue blindly. They must be bold enough to admit that even the leaders of the component parties have not reached a consensus.

No one will question the government if they can present a program that can be substantiated with sound studies and evidence. Every parent wants their children to excel in English, Maths and Science. But the teaching method

must be correct and effective. We cannot afford to gamble on any unproven method as it concerns the future of our children.