Tepuklah Dada

Dearest Bloggers, Have you read the hot news in the newspaper today? It says: “KUALA LUMPUR: Riot police fired teargas at hundreds of people who tried to march towards Istana Negara to protest against the policy of using English to teach Science and Mathematics.” –the Star- If you have read the news, you should know that not all people are happy with the decision made by the Government in using English as a medium to teach Science and Mathematics. Certainly the demonstrators have justifications for doing so. They would not go against any of the Government policies without any reasons or justifications. So what say you about this?

I too have my own say in respect of this issue. In my opinion, the Government has taken a tremendous step by deciding that Science and Math should be taught in English. It is good that the kids are exposed and familiarized with the English language since they are little.

Take my case as an example.

I was raised up by my family who speak Malay most of the time. So do my friends at School. They would only speak in English when they are required to do so. I would only speak English during the English class, when I talk to the English teacher or whenever it is necessary.

By the time I entered into the Matriculation Centre, it was a bit awkward because English was the 1st language. So, everyone was required to speak in English all the time (in class). But, Alhamdulillah, as the time goes by, I managed to overcome my weakness. I could now speak in English almost fluently, with little grammatical errors (I admit).

My point here is that, the idea of teaching Science and Math in English is good in the sense that it would expose the younger generations with the usage of English since they are little. It will of course ensure that they could interact in English eloquently. By the time they enter into any higher learning institutions, they would not face the same problems as I did. Most of the academic sources are written in English. If their (younger generation) command of the language is poor and bad, that would be detrimental to their studies. We are in a developing country, not a developed country like Japan, Singapore and others (to name few). Yes, some might ask why do the Japanese could be proud of their mother tongue without having to master the English language. I think this is because; they are already a developed country. People in the world are following them. They don’t really follow others, as they are already developed. Also, by having good command of the English language, it would not make s person any less Malay. I am still a Malay at heart and all. I still love my mother tongue. I still speak Malay most of the time. I am proud of being Malay and who I am.

Therefore as a citizen of Malaysia, I want to urge the Government to ensure that the execution is done in the best manner possible. The teachers need to be properly trained, so that there shall not be any difficulties in carrying their duties. The teachers need to be made ready physically and mentally. We have read in the newspaper that many teachers are depressed as that they are not ready to teach the kids in English. They also claimed that they do not have good command in English.

To make things worst, many Parents (especially those who are living in the rural areas) do not have good command of the English language. Those who stay in the rural areas, are less exposed with the usage of English, as compared to those who are in the city. For these reasons, the kids in the rural areas are affected more than those in the urban areas.

The Government has to consider all these before implementing the idea of teaching the subjects in English. If the Government could overcome the above-mentioned problems and execute the idea of teaching Science and Math in English in the best manner possible, then I would support the idea full-heartedly.

Or maybe, it’s the time to revise the syllabus of the English subject itself? Are we ready for changes?

Sekarang, tepuklah dada masing-masing....

Regards, HHB, sayangkan-Bangsa-Melayu