Penang schools raise concern over science, maths lessons in Malay

New directive requires some students to learn subjects in Malay instead of English

- Hazlin Hassan

The debate over the teaching of science and mathematics in Malay or English in Malaysia is raging again, in an issue that has pitted some schools keen to see their students master the two core subjects in a global language against the latest government policy seemingly pandering to Malay voters.

Education watchdog Parent Action Group for Education on June 12 blamed the move on Malay ultra-nationalists “continuing to suppress Malay children in every way they can from progress, prosperity, a global outlook and employment prospects”.

The controversial change is especially pertinent in the northern state of Penang – Malaysia’s “Silicon Valley” where many high-technology multinationals are based – as English is the main language for business and technology.

On June 5, the boards of directors and parent-teacher associations of 11 Chinese secondary schools in Penang reportedly stood up to oppose a new directive by the Education Ministry to have at least one class in each student cohort that teaches the two subjects in Malay.

The schools said that the two subjects would only be taught in English, as there was no demand for these to be taught in Malay, or in the students’ Chinese mother language.