Kuala Lumpur - IN the last 50 years since independence, our education system has undergone numerous changes based on necessities but, in many cases, not based on educational realities.
To many of us, this sacrifice was worth the price we had to pay in other sectors. But now, it is time to take a look at our position in terms of economic and social well-being.
If we wish to compete with progressive nations, we have to think seriously about making English and other major languages a major component in our education system.
It takes years for a child to master English, especially if he does not come from a family that uses this language. It is essential to start them young if we want future leaders to be fluent in English and be able to compete in the world economic and social environment.
Teaching Science and Mathematics in English from primary school is but a limited exposure for children to the English language. To call for its replacement with the native tongues of Malaysians is not a practical solution.
Gaining political advantage by using the language issue is only a short-term gain.
What former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad started towards the end of his term of office, that is, the introduction of English as the medium of instruction for Science and Mathematics, must be upheld as one of the legacies for the future good of Malaysia.
There is also a call from the other extreme sector for a system where there will be schools using English as the main medium of instruction.
This is going to further divide our children. As it is, we already have three types of primary schools using Malay, Chinese and Tamil (plus a few other local languages in east Malaysia).
What we should hope for is a system of education that can unite our children in schools; where all major languages can be taught in all primary schools, so it can be attended by children of any major racial component group without being deprived of their rights to learn their mother tongue.
Steps are being taken to make our national primary schools into such institutions. This should be taken one step further, to convert other primary schools into such schools, too, without undermining their status. This is a way to reduce racial polarisation in our multi-racial nation.
In conclusion, let us foster and nurture our school system for national integration with the wider goal of enabling our future generation to compete effectively and successfully in the shrinking world.
Source: www.nst.com.my (14 Desember 2007)
