By Adib Zalkapli
PUTRAJAYA, July 8 — Realising that the administration could not afford to be criticised by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the deputy prime minister today revealed that he had briefed the former prime minister on the decision to scrap the policy of teaching science and mathematics in English.
Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who is also the education minister told a press conference today that he told Dr Mahathir that the spirit of the policy, better known as PPSMI, which is to improve English language proficiency, would be maintained.
“I was given the opportunity to give a briefing along with senior officers and the director-general at Tun’s residence, as a sign of respect for him who mooted the idea,” said Muhyiddin.
"We had a very long discussion, for more than three hours,” he added.
Muhyiddin said he explained to Dr Mahathir how the policy could not be implemented as intended.
Among the problems discussed, he said, was the huge gap between national schools and vernacular schools as well as teachers’ poor command of the English language.
“Me and my officers have clarified the progress and problems faced by those involved,” said Muhyiddin.
“Tun accepted our views,” he added.

written by alamalikut, July 08, 2009
written by Judge, July 08, 2009
It is the rakyat should say yes or no, not the expiry ex-ex PM.
If he wants crook bridge, UMNO going to buy one for him?
written by X-b.END, July 08, 2009
What is this...who's the Nation PM..Najib or DrM? I'm confused. Najib pls resigned...DrM wants his position back.
written by tohkong mosjid, July 08, 2009
written by sapu, July 08, 2009
written by Rayn, July 08, 2009
written by tan, July 08, 2009
written by ng boon tat, July 08, 2009
“Me and my officers have....." what my teacher taught me a long time ago..would have made me use that sentence this way..." My officers and I have......"..but thanks for highlighting the fact the we Malaysians are really atrocious when it comes to english grammar, I have learned the proper use of english today...
so, i fully agree...we should scrap the english language altogether actually. we are not good at it anyway, and it puts us at such a severe disadvantage, especially when i am being compared to a singaporean, for example...if those foreign investors want to come to our country, they had better learn our national language..!!
written by Mohd Din, July 08, 2009
How to progress ?
Malaysia Boleh!
written by Jamil Abdullah, July 08, 2009
written by Neo, July 08, 2009
written by dylan, July 08, 2009
Math don't bother english like this
SHE ARE A BOY.
written by OrangRojak, July 08, 2009
"my views ... are not reflected in the decision"
written by future, July 08, 2009
written by leading, July 08, 2009
Tan Sri, you are right but in order for the nation NOT to be left behind, we still need to:
• • • Use English to teach Math and Science • • •
www.leading.com.my
written by Kana, July 08, 2009
Imagine you do not know how to explain a simple calculations in English.
written by dangermouse70, July 08, 2009
" Me and my officers have clarified the progress......," said Muhyiddin.
Shouldn't that have been " My officers and I...."?
Now we know the real reason for scrapping this policy... even the daft have become more daft; that's why!
written by ACR, July 08, 2009
Do you think Obama's administration would consult Bush if they change his policies? What a joke we have become.
The present government has the power to make policies and if it thinks what it is proposing is right and has the support of the people just implement it. Quit kow-towing.
written by wkc, July 08, 2009
written by stupid and more stupid, July 08, 2009
written by sktan, July 08, 2009
So who is lying? Muhyiddin or Dr M? Someone should be fired for lying! Come on own up! Be a man!
written by Hang Tuah 1, July 08, 2009
Dr M claims his opinions on language switch ignored
By Adib Zalkapli
PUTRAJAYA, July 8 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad expressed disappointment with the government’s decision to scrap his policy of teaching mathematics and science in English, saying it will affect future generations.
He said his recommendations were not taken into consideration when deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also Education Minister, met him over the policy first introduced in 2003.
“I was only briefed about it, so after the briefing I gave my suggestions, I said even if it could not be implemented at primary level, at least at secondary level it should be maintained, so it was not a consultation only briefing,” Dr Mahathir told reporters here.
“I am saddened because the future of our children will be affected. They will be the victims,” he added...
---
Ooops, Mr Muhyiddin -
Are you sure you have convinced Dr M on English policy????
Looks like Dr M disagrees with you.
Have you purposely misled the public???
written by manolito, July 08, 2009
Ignore the old pensioner.
written by Kilo, July 08, 2009
I can bet that the primary schools will revert but the secodary schools will stay on with English.
Think about it - my form 1 kid just took a full six years in English. Now they are going to switch to BM in form 4 and lo and behold - another switch to English in Form 6. Very obvious they are the guiness pigs at the expense of no-brain govt....
Lost faith in them long ago. Can't expect much from them.
written by Silence Dogood, July 08, 2009
Run for cover Muhyiddin!!!!
Hell hath no fury for a mahafiraun scorned!
Alwiz thought you may tag-team with Tun to bring down Najib-Rosmah. Bad move Din!
written by Jason, July 09, 2009
written by Jong, July 09, 2009
So now the truth is out, return of Mahathirism is here to stay which sadly, Najib has vehemently denied. They know they can't afford to be criticized by Mahathir least they meet the same fate as Mr Half-past-Six .
written by rini, July 09, 2009
Even the predominantly Malay/Indonesian speaking Indonesians are beginning to pick up English as the second most popular spoken language in order to be at par with the other advnacenations. yet Malaysia and especially the Malays are retreating into their cocoons.
Sorry Dr Mahathir..Dont cry for me Malaysia and dont weep for me Bangsa Melayu - you are digging your own grave.
written by Just me, July 09, 2009
I am sure you used English.In the middle of discussion this old man told you not to continue using (speaking)English used(speak)BM,Do not try to be smart ,You thought that he means not to cont.using English .Also you must have brought along your stupid sidekicks which don"t understand English,so go on ask him again,this time listen carefully used BM don't confuse yourself OK?
written by Jong, July 09, 2009
written by soon, July 09, 2009
lets get rid of him. incompetent.
written by PH Chin, July 09, 2009
Hahaha, what a joke or a lie ? Last night Tun Dr Mahathir lamented he was only briefed on the decision by the Minister and not consulted as claimed. I think our Minister cannot differentiate between briefing and convincing.
written by betong, July 09, 2009
Common reader, even u hate him very much but dont underestimate Mahathir. Mahathir influence is still very strong, he was excellent in term of removing 2 former primer, Tunku Abd Rahman and Pak Lah and most probably Tun Hussein.
So, that why gov must explain to him. If he disagree so he will start another round to remove Najib.
Ku Li says: Dr Mahathir adalah orang yang akan menyelesaikan apa yang beliau mulakan.




