English proficiency does not guarantee scientific progress, says PKR MP Zulkifli
By Sira Habibu, The Star
People in the Philippines are proficient in English, but many landed up only as maids, said controversial Kulim Bandar Bharu MP Zulkifli Noordin.
The Philippines, he said, took pride in their peoples’ ability to speak English but had only succeeded in exporting many maids, whereas Japan has produced many international award-winning scientists who could not even utter a word of English.
Zulkifli of PKR made the comparison in his blog to show his support for the Barisan Nasional Government’s decision to scrap the policy to teach Mathematics and Science in English by 2012.
"In line with the 1Malaysia concept, it is time Bahasa Malaysia is returned as the language of knowledge and medium of instruction in schools," he said.
Zulkifli also took a swipe at former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for introducing the policy to teach Mathematics and Science in English, which he claimed had adversely affected students in rural areas.
He, however, called on the Government to make English a compulsory subject, adding that English literature should be promoted in schools.
Zulkifli also called on the Government to look into returning the practice of writing Malay in jawi.
"Romanising the Malay language has made the people illiterate in Jawi and in Al-Quran," he said.
He also called on the Government to scrap the non-national schools to promote integration and creation of the Malaysian race.
"Chinese and Tamil can instead be taught as subjects in schools," he said, adding that the existence of vernacular schools further promote racial polarisation.
