Maths and Science in English – a rocket which will never ever take off!
I have written about this topic on Navel Gazing no less than twice, I think. And now, as it the issue has transformed itself into a full blown political one, complete with a demonstration and the proverbial tear gas and all, I think I should write about it again.
First of all, I wish to make it clear that I support the freedom of expression. And that includes the right to assemble peacefully. I would therefore support the right of all the people who assembled in Kuala Lumpur last Saturday to make known their stand against the teaching of Maths and Science in the English language in our school.
That however does not mean that I support their cause. I also do not support their reasons or rationale for their cause. As I understand it, the purpose of their assembly was to voice their objection against the teaching of the two subjects in English. And as I understand it further, the reason for their objection is that the move would relegate the status of Bahasa Malaysia (or is it Bahasa Melayu? or Bahasa Kebangsaan? or Bahasa Baku? whatever lah!) and reduce its status as the official language of Malaysia. Bahasa Malaysia, apparently "mestilah dimertabadkan". As if language is something which could be put on a pedestal, moved around and idolised like some kind of a Maharajah! The whole cockamajik about this can be read here.
It is of great disappointment to note that even the National Laureate, Bapak Samad Said, had joined the bandwagon. And it is even of greater concern that Pakatan Rakyat had seen it fit to make this issue a political one during the Kuala Terengganu by-election.
