KUCHING, Dec 1 – The Education Ministry has no problem with leaders from any state in the country urging the people to master the English Language. Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the ministry would in fact continue to support any effort and programme towards this direction.
“We certaintly want our young people to master not only English but Bahasa Malaysia, even French, Spanish, Mandarin or Japanese. By being multi-lingual, they can particpate in the international arena in any field,” he told the media after attending the official opening of the new building of the SK Matu Baru in Kampung Bintawa Hilir, near here on Monday.
The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar represented Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem in declaring open the RM19.9 million project. He said he agree with the decision by Adenan to step up the usage of English in the state. He said when the young people are very fluent in English, they can venture off our shores in search of jobs, knowledge or business the world over.
“On the same matter, two new initiatives namely the ‘Dual language Programme’ and the ‘Highly Immersive Programme’ would be launched in schools nationwide when the school season begins next year. Costing a total of RM38.5 million, these pilot programmes are to strengthen the teaching of Mathematics and Science or in a Skill subject in English,” he said.
“It will be implemented optionally though. In the meantime, we will also start with around 300 schools in the country that are ready for them. The teachers must be ready and the parents must also be ready. Most of these schools are in the urban areas but we can also extend to those schools in the rural areas which are ready,” he added.
