Way back in the sixties, our country earned praised as one of the best English speaking citizens in this part of the world. However since Bahasa Malaysia was implemented in the schools, the standard of English had declined. In arresting the situation our former Prime Minister made amendments and implemented English for Science and Mathematics (PPSMI).However the move did not produce the desired results. After much deliberation the Ministry of Education recently came up with a new curriculum ‘ Upholding Bahasa Malaysia and Strenghtening English’ aimed at improving the standard of English. The decision has received mixed reaction from parents. Will this move be a wise one? Many are pessimistic.
The government had wasted a lot of money as incentives for teachers in PPSMI but such move had failed . Even with the strategy in the new curriculum, many doubts the students will improve given the same environment. So, a wise move is to create an English-speaking environment , in other words bring back the English medium schools.
In implementing the education policy, one need to shape the future generation.The policy makers should disregard any political or sentimental influences.The target is to ensure the future generation would be progressive,dynamic and receptive to global competitiveness or changes. Currently many of the graduates from IPTA are in the government services whereas those from the IPTS and overseas universities found their jobs in the private sectors and multinational companies.The trend is that many of the non-Bumiputras and a few well to do Bumiputras opted for private universities because of the medium of instructions are in English. Many of the unemployed graduates are from the IPTAs and most of them are Bumiputras.
Recruitment agencies commented that there are many jobs available but lack of communication skills among candidates hinder their chances. At times the recruitment agencies advertised as many as fifty(50) vacancies for graduates of any discipline to work in financial institutions. In this case, training will be given by the employer hence graduates of any discipline were eligible to apply. In spite of the high salary,it was sad to see that there were few takers for obvious reasons. We always heard of jobless graduates but can we blame insufficient jobs?
Our former PM had commented that, because of lack of proficiency in English, quite a number of our officers were not mixing enough and always group among themselves at functions. I believe many may had encountered some embarrassing moments at forums or presentations when the speakers fumbled as they cannot expressed clearly.
Currently there are suggestions to bring back the English medium schools.This is one of the best solution and regarded as neutral grounds not only to alleviate the hue and cry but for the better of the nation.The students themselves can choose any medium they want. In this situation no one can blame the policy makers because the students decide their own future and a win-win situation will prevail .The government should waste no time in bringing the English medium schools back.
GHZALI IBRAHIM
Subang Jaya
