‘Befitting Sarawak chosen as first state to teach Science, Math in English’
KUCHING: Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii has welcomed the announcement that Sarawak is set to use English in the teaching of Mathematics and Science in its primary schools again.
He said the move is important to cultivate the learning of English at a younger age on top of empowering Sarawak students to master the international language of science and technology to remain competitive on the global stage.
“It is very befitting that Sarawak is chosen to be the first state for such implementation, as our rights to the usage of English is enshrined under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) on top of it already being the second official language in the state.
It is very befitting that Sarawak is chosen to be the first state for such implementation, as our rights to the usage of English is enshrined under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) on top of it already being the second official language in the state. Dr Kelvin Yii, Bandar Kuching MP
“This also shows the sincerity of the federal government in not only promoting the usage of English in Science and Math, but also to respect and uphold the rights of Sarawak and even Sabah,” he said in a statement yesterday.
However, he also acknowledged the difficulties that are bound to be encountered in implementing the policy, especially in rural areas, hence the need to not just have properly trained teachers, but also to create an environment to promote the interest and usage of English among the students in the two subjects.
He said the Education Ministry would need to make sure that there are sufficient resources and adequate reference books on the subjects in English for both teachers and students.
“While there is much more to be done to make sure the implementation of this policy is done properly to benefit the students and also the teachers, it is a good step forward especially for our students,” he added.
On the issue of the RM1-billion contra deal between Putrajaya and the Sarawak government, Dr Yii said both parties have ironed out ‘certain misunderstandings’ regarding the agreement to repair dilapidated schools in the state.
“The issue has always been the proper implementation and method of payment, rather than what certain quarters play up as ‘ U-turn’ or ‘rejection’. The main consideration has always been for transparent implementation to make sure the schools and students will directly benefit from it,” he said.