Pioneering teaching of maths, science in English a big challenge for Sarawak

KUCHING: It’s a big challenge and honour for Sarawak to be the first state to implement the teaching of Science and Maths in English in primary schools scheduled to start next year, said Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong.

He has made an appeal to everyone, especially parents and teachers, to make the huge challenge a success.

“We cannot fail because we are the first one to do it and we will be the model to other states in the future,” he said when met at the state-level Thank You TeacherTeachers’ Day celebration at Mydin Petra Jaya yesterday.

He believes that Sarawak can do it within six months as the existing Science and Maths teachers only need to be trained to be proficient in English.

For the materials, he said it won’t be a problem as it can be printed very quickly.

“We need to get the budget to train teachers and materials,” he added.

Asked on if it will be implemented in Chinese schools, he said “Chinese schools we don’t touch yet.”

Education Minister Maszlee Malik had announced during a visit here last month that Sarawak will be the first state in Malaysia to teach Mathematic and Science in English in its primary schools. This was suggested by Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad.

Earlier, Manyin said that behind successful persons are teachers whose role should be recognised.

Being a former teacher for 25 years, he said that teachers contribute towards the development of the nation but are forgotten and taken for granted.

“I don’t qualify for bungalow, villa or money to buy expensive houses like successful doctors, lawyers, engineers ... but I’m proud to be a teacher because the success of these people, I have contributed, for that I am proud to be a teacher.”

At the event, the RM1 Sarawak Teachers’ Fund was launched to help teachers in need.

The celebration kicked off with a #LarianTerimaKasihCikgu participated by about 400 people. It ended with the flagging off of Sarawak Teachers’ Bikers Club. There were also several exhibition booths set up.

The event was graced by former Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abang Muhammad Salahuddin and wife Toh Puan Norkiah.

Those present included Sarawak Education director Dr Azhar Ahmad and organising chairman Yul Haidzir Razali Bujang.