English as the Medium of Instruction for Mathematics and Science

Really, this is a darn old subject to talk about. Before January 2003, the teaching of Mathematics and Science were done in Bahasa Melayu, which is our national language. English is taught only as a second language. In 2003, our former prime minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad came with a radical idea to convert the medium of instruction for Science and Mathematics to English.

Although this idea was refuted by a lot of parties for fear that the integrity of the national language might be threatened, Dr. Mahathir was adamant and carried on with the idea, eventually implementing it to Standard 1, Form 1 and Form 6 students in 2003.

Three years have passed since the implementation of English as the medium of instruction for Science and Mathematics. What has the government achieved now? For what seemed to be a quiet three years on this subject, lately people have started to reject English as the medium of instruction for Science and Mathematics.

Many claimed that the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English is not as effective as if the teaching of both the subjects were in Bahasa Melayu. Many also claimed that many were taught in Bahasa Melayu and the sudden switch in language proved difficult for students to get used to new terminologies in English.

I agree with the above argument. I have also experienced this sudden change in the medium of instruction when I first entered university. However, I could adapt and now am comfortable with the teaching of my subjects in English.

What people failed to understand is that as the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English has only been implemented for three years, and therefore is not long enough to justify whether or not the teaching of those subjects in English has been effective or otherwise. Before the 1960s when education was in the English medium, people could still study and excel. Then came the switch of the medium to Bahasa Melayu. Did the people then not face the same problem as students are facing now?

It is still too early, unfair and premature to judge that students are not doing well just because of the switch to the English medium.

I believe that the main factor that students cannot cope up with the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English is that the students themselves did not master the English language properly. Some schools, especially Chinese schools, start the teaching of English language in Standard 3 whereas students in national schools would have already been able to speak fluent English by then. Also, there are some schools which upholds the national language so much that English is often neglected; conversations in English among students are so rare in certain schools.

English, like Bahasa Melayu, requires lots of practice and mastering. Students themselves must kick out the mentality that Bahasa Melayu is the national language and English is the “coloniser’s” or “conqueror’s” language and therefore English should be given the least priority. Just because we speak more in English does not mean that the integrity of Bahasa Melayu is dashed.

Learning a second language like English can prove to be an added advantage for all of us. Even if the government does not implement the English medium in secondary and primary schools, eventually we will be obliged to switch to the English medium upon entering tertiary education. The government has no say in which medium of instruction to be used in universities (except perhaps public universities) because they recognise the importance of English in the job market. Scientific research is mostly done in English. Business transactions are all done in English. Therefore, how could you deny the importance of English?

In no way am I telling you to give so much emphasis in English that you neglect your mother tongue. It is absolutely fine to converse in your own mother tongue, but let us not forget that it is not the only language we learn. In a society where one is required to be multi-linguistic, we must first learn the international lingua franca, followed by our national language and of course our mother tongue (if you are a non-Malay).

The fact that Dr. Mahathir insisted on implementing the English medium for Science and Mathematics proves that he recognises the importance of English in a scientific and borderless world. The world uses English as the language of communication, business and many more. Dr. Mahathir must have seen it fit that we should follow suit in order to catch up with other developing nations. His vision is so far that it is rather hard for us to be on par with his pace.

Therefore, let the English medium have more time before we decide whether or not to retain English as the medium of instruction. Bear in mind that to revert back to the Bahasa Melayu medium would not only be expensive, but the directly affected parties are the teachers and students. It is easily said and done by government officials, but what do they know about students’ and teachers’ hardship? It is not fair to let these individuals suffer the consequences simply because of the government’s change of policy and their lack of concern.