Reading coments from distinguished figures in the struggle to uphold the National Language is inspiring. Some may see this as being ironic since an entry about the national language is written in a foreign language and to make it even more anti climax mine is written in English- the language GMP, or Movement to Abolish ETEMS is trying to replace with the national language.
Be as it may, the issue is not about usage of English in general but it is limited to English as the SOLE medium of Instruction to teach Science and Mathematics. Former DBP DG, for instance laments the media of belittling the issue. According to him, there seems to a movement underway to undermine the significance of the issue particularly by maun stream media. He opines that such may be due to 'interference' from higher ups.
Indeed, I share similar sentiment. For some this issue is apolitical but truly it is a political issue since the move to replace national language or other languages as the medium of instruction is something which goes against the spirit of Article 152 of Federal Constitution. The excuse of locals being weak in terms of Science, Mathematics and Technology is laughable and clearly shows ignorance and shallow mindedness by certain leaders.
Being a medical doctor, TDM is supposed to know more. The correct way, in fact it is the only way to treat an illness, is to identify its root or origin and not merely treating the areas that have been infected. As such, the illness can then be cured totally. If a doctor or in this case a surgeon only operates on the surface on the cancer-infected cells than later if not soon, the cancer will resurface and it may be fatal.
The government through Hishamuddin as I expect continue to deny the prevalent situation. Instead of allowing the room for doubts and dissension he proceeds to say that TIMSS 2007 is not the only instrument the government takes into account. What does he mean really? Is he saying that the findings cannot be accepted even for reference since public examination results clearly show the opposite? I beg to differ since there is no independent and impartial body has ever been invited to do a thorough audit on the whole process from the moment the questions are formulated until the results are analysed. I may be wrong but until today I have not come across an iota of proof that an independent body has indeed done an audit of the whole process.
Since it has become a national issue, the need for an independent audit has become more urgent. Is it really true that most rural students have now achieved a commendable level in Science and Mathematics since English becomes their medium of instruction? It is an open secret that the passing grade or marks is lowered when too many fail to reach them. Therefore, 40 or even lower can be the 'new' passing marks even situation warrants it. This is of course something that the ministry will deny but there are instances of students who cannot even write a simple Malay sentence pass their Malay language papers albeit there are two papers!
A responsible government is one that is willing to accept different views openly and not immediately takes a defensive stance by trying to justify their doings. A good government should be positive towards criticism and not too quick to brush them aside. Indeed, if the BN- led government is true to their words, they must embrace changes and be more accomodative, Hishamuddin for once should not done what he has done - consistently denying that ETEMS has its serious flaws.
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