about Englishmedium schools?

> Penang Free School, founded in 1816, is the oldest English-language school in the country. English-language schools were considered quite prestigious in those days.

> During th e colonial era, Christian missionariesm started a se eries of mission schools which provided primary and d secondary education in n the English language.

> In 1956, the Razak Report called for a national school system consisting of Malay-, English-, Chinese- and Tamilmedium schools at the primary level, and Malay- and Englishmedium schools for secondary schools, all following a fixed national curriculum.

> In the 1970s, in accordance with the national language policy, the Government began to change English--- medium primary and secondary schools into Malay-medium national schools.

> The language change was made gradually starting from the first year in primary school, then the second year in the following year and so on, and completed by the end of 1982.

> English National-type Schools were assimilated to become National Schools as a result of decolonisation. Bahasa Melayu and English are compulsory subjects in all national and national-type schools.

> The English language is the medium of instruction in most international schools.

> Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has urged the Government to revive English-medium school muchh like those in Singapore, pointing out that the island state has done well for itself with its education system and prominent use of English.