Mengapa Kami Bantah
Editor Dr Abdullah Hassan

Book cover and details romantis

Started reading 7 Jan 2007
Finished reading 14 Jan 2007

A collection of papers on the reasons why the authors are against the teaching of science and mathematics in English. Basically they are not against the English Language itself but the emphasis is more on the erosion of the Malay Language's role in Malaysia. The seeds starts from the education system itself. There seems to be an about turn in the National Language's role in Malaysia when the Ministry of Education gives the edict that English must be used in teaching science and mathematics.

After all the effort made to use Bahasa Malaysia from the primary to university level, this about turn seems such a slap in the face to the language. No one denies the importance of English but blaming the poor results in the education system to the language used seems to be neither here nor there. The methods used in teaching English itself needs urgent scrutiny and remedy as most students who have learned the language for at least nine years from primary one to secondary three do not exhibit the minimum competence in using the language.

What chances are there for these students to improve their performance in science and mathematics with a poor command of English? That is the crux of the matter. English or any other language is a tool whereas Bahasa Malaysia is the National Language of this country and must be accorded its due place in every aspect of our lives.

Look at all the successful non-English speaking countries. They did not reach that status by neglecting their own languages. Unfortunately we do not have the political will to defend the important role the National Language plays in the progress of the nation.

A lost cause unless those in power can see the other side of the coin.