Hishammuddin: English medium stays

The Education Ministry will not be hasty or bow to threats with regard to the policy on the use of English in teaching Science and Mathematics, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said yesterday.

"There is no need to be hasty because any decision even if it is taken now, will be implemented next year."

He said the ministry had studied and scrutinised 22 study papers on the subject and the outcome would be tabled before the Cabinet for the final decision. On the National Writers Association’s push for the policy to be scrapped, he said: "If it wants to do something, go ahead, but the ministry will not budge on the agenda that the decision depends on the views of all quarters, not just certain groups."

He said the government was still committed to channelling various forms of additional assistance despite the economic turmoil, to ensure poor and disadvantaged students received the necessary aid.

This year, the allowance for disabled students will be raised from RM50 to RM150 and the ministry will also open 704 pre-school classes nationwide, he said. — Bernama