Updated 10.30pm, 4 May 2009
KUALA LUMPUR, 4 May 2009: The government has yet to decide on the policy of teaching Science and Mathematics in English (ETeMS or better known by its Malay acronym PPSMI).
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said he was still not satisfied with the findings of studies carried out, including the round-table session on the policy.
The education minister said the government was prepared to wait a little longer because whatever decision it made on the issue was critical.
“We don’t want to be seen to flip-flop on this matter. We have to look at a lot of feedback. But looking at researches conducted by a number of independent bodies, the outcome is not similar with the round-table discussion that we had.
“Sometimes during round-table discussions, people don’t have facts and evidence. They speak (based) on what they feel. They must be substantiated with a lot of facts and evidence, whether there is a need for change or not,” he said after visiting the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka here today.
He said the ministry would eventually bring the final findings to the cabinet before making a statement on the issue.
Muhyiddin said he welcomed views from any quarter on the issue and would accept constructive views.
“Many quarters have given their views. Some have agreed while others have not. But the important thing is, in our efforts to promote the National Language, we should also give emphasis to English for the sake of our children’s future,” he added.
He said, any decision on the matter would be based on in-depth studies.
On a proposal to review the Internal Security Act, Muhyiddin said it would be done as what Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had announced in his maiden speech to the public.
He said the matter would need to take more time for consultations with vested groups, civil society and political parties.
“This is not only the concern of the government but also Malaysians, at large, who want to know the outcome,” he said.
However, Muhyiddin did not want to elaborate as it was too premature. — Bernama
rain says
He is talking macam politician biasa – all the while the data collected by MoE are all questionable.
moon says
Nampak sangat perangai menteri Malaysia ini – kajian ahli akedemik dipersoalkan macamlah mereka ini orang bijak pandai. Hukum agama pun diperlekehkan.