The use of English in the teaching of Mathematics and Science since 2003, which had drawn much controversy, had been disputed lately with questions being asked whether it should be continued or otherwise.

Abdullah Ahmad Badawi meanwhile, wants an immediate decision to be made on the use of English in the teaching and learning of Mathematics and Science to prevent a bigger issue from cropping up. Abdullah Ahmad Badawi believed the decision made will be in the best interest of the people and our future.

What is there to decide. Just tell the rakyat that policy is to be maintain. After all, million of ringgit have been spend on this program. Obviously, some Malay do not want to progress. In their mind, Bahasa Malaysia is the national language (still is and nobody denied that), that Agung is the ruler of Malaysia (still is and nobody denied that), that Islam is the religion of the Malay (still is and nobody denied that), that English to be abolish from the Education System. Now, that is discrimination not only to non-Malay but also for future generation of young Malay.

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* Malaysia Education System Going Backward - Part 2
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From The Star

PM: Make quick decision on use of English in Maths, Science

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants an immediate decision to be made on the use of English in the teaching and learning of Mathematics and Science to prevent a bigger issue from cropping up.

The Prime Minister said the government acknowledged that there was strong pressure from the people, especially the Malays, who were giving much attention to the matter.

"I hope the decision will be made immediately. Otherwise non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will continue to put pressure and create a bigger issue," he told reporters after launching the novel, "Dragon Fire Hammer", here on Saturday.

Abdullah said the Education Ministry had held several meetings with the NGOs to discuss the matter.

However, the Education Ministry was not prepared to announce the nature of the decision taken for the time being.

"With the examination results providing the rationale for the ministry to decide, I believe the decision made will be in the best interest of the people and our future," he said.

The use of English in the teaching of Mathematics and Science since 2003, which had drawn much controversy, had been disputed lately with questions being asked whether it should be continued or otherwise.

The issue became more intense with academicians and literary figures supporting politicians in voicing their protest against the continuation of the policy. - Bernama
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From The Star

Riot police fired tear gas into several hundreds of people marching to Istana Negara to protest the use of English in the teaching of Mathematics and Science at 2.40pm Saturday.

But by 3.20pm, the police and Federal Reserve Unit were successful in dispersing the crowd.

However, some of the crowd are said to be regrouping at the mosque.

The march and the subsequent rain has caused massive traffic jams in the city.

The crowd had gathered at Masjid Negara earlier and started to march to the Palace and were close to the Tun Sambanthan building when riot police began shooting tear gas.

Many in the crowd ran away as the scene filled with smoke. The Federal Reserve unit trucks were initially stuck in traffic but caught up with the crowd and also started firing tear gas.

The crowd had planned to submit a memorandum to the King, appealing for the return of the use of Bahasa Malaysia in the teaching of the two subjects.

However, in the midst of the chaos, police escorted Gapena’s Datuk A Samad Said to the Palace gates and he handed the memorandum to someone in the guardhouse.

The police and FRU have thrown a safety perimeter at the Istana gates and are still on standby.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said the group, initially led by Gapena’s Datuk Hassan Ahamd, Datuk A Samad Said and Dr. Shaharil MD Zain, had agreed there would not be gatherings or demonstrations during their discussions with the KL CPO deputy Comm Datuk Wira Mohd Sabtu Osman.

“They agreed to send representatives into the Istana after the Zohor prayers but when political parties like PAS and PKR got involved, it became an illegal gathering and demonstration.

“We had no choice but to use tear gas to disperse the crowd who refused to listen to police warnings,” he said.

Musa said the police control centre in Bukit Aman and the City police were deluged with angry callers as there were massive jams all over the city.

He said he had asked for reinforcements to ensure city dwellers were protected and not inconvenienced by irresponsible political parties.

“I assure the public that stern action will be taken against those involved in organising the demonstrations.

“They are not fighting for democracy but are demo crazy,” he added.

He said city police have identified those involved and police would do the necessary to bring them to book.

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Najib: Do not reject blindly
By MAZWIN NIK ANIS

PUTRAJAYA: Do not be “overly obsessed” with protecting Bahasa Melayu that we overlook or reject some aspects of foreign civilisations which are good for Malaysia, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“Foreign elements” which helped to enrich knowledge, enhance technology and even the local culture should not be pushed aside, he said.

“One has to be rational in choosing and determining what is good and beneficial and not reject globalisation and changes outright.

“While language reflects a race, the ability to speak, read and write in other languages must not be seen as an erosion of one’s intelligence and identity.

“In Malaysia, knowing another language does not mean Bahasa Melayu will be weak and meaningless,” he said at the International Malay Oratory Competition Finals 2009 last night.

Najib stressed that despite the language being relatively young in terms of terminology in science and technology compared to English, it did not mean Bahasa Melayu has been set aside.

He gave the assurance that the Government will continue to be committed in enhancing the importance of the Malay language.

“We will continue to uphold Bahasa Melayu as the premier language of this country.

“Even though we allow room for the English language to exist in the country’s education system, Bahasa Melayu will continue to be the official language of this system,” he said.

Noting that information technology has allowed Bahasa Melayu to exist in cyberspace and gave others the opportunity to learn it, Najib said language experts should use the k-economy to gain knowledge.

“Malaysia’s role in the Organisation of Islamic Conference and the Non-Aligned Movement must be used to the fullest to introduce Bahasa Melayu to institutions of higher learning of member countries.

“This could be the country’s valuable export as along with the language, comes other knowledge and fields of expertise,” he said.

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