KUCHING: Those against the teaching of science and mathematics (PPSMI) are probably trying to hide their own weaknesses in the English language, said Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Datuk Mohd Fadzil Abdul Rahman.
“What worries me most is not so much about being patriotic to Bahasa Malaysia. Those groups of people might be using this excuse not to acquire English.
“What I am trying to say here is they do not want to show their own weaknesses of not being able to converse in English and as a result, they use this excuse (patriotism) to overcome their weaknesses.
“It is a sad thing to happen because I think they know very well they are not able to converse in English but in order to overcome their own weaknesses, they use patriotism as an excuse not to study mathematics and science in English.”
Mohd Fadzil told New Sarawak Tribune that Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s continued push for science and mathematics to be taught in English has met with resistance from a number of groups.
Among those who spoken out against the policy are the National Muslim Students Association (PKPIM), the Muslim Youth Movement (Abim), the Linguistics Association of Malaysia, Amanah Youth, PSM Youth and Gerakan.
Mohd Fadzil said most people might not understand the idea behind PISMI, thinking that it was a flip flop policy.
“To be fair to students, they (students) should not be the guinea pigs. The policy was implemented before but the government decided to change, at the expense of students.
“Maybe some people need to point out that it is not much about improving English. I think the actual purpose of teaching science and mathematics in English was perhaps the only way for our children to actually gain the knowledge of science and technology. Most of the reference books are in English,” he said.
