Our elusive dream — return of English-medium schools
Start with a few schools first in each state and see whether it works out well.
By Khoo Kok Heong
I started my teaching career in 1968 with English as the medium of instruction. The following year, the education ministry changed the medium of instruction from English to Bahasa Malaysia.
It was implemented with a stroke of the pen, as at that time Malay nationalism was at its peak.
There was no hue and cry over this. No one spoke out against the move. No one criticised the sudden change from English to Bahasa.
The teachers bore the brunt of things. We struggled to teach in Bahasa as most of us were not very fluent with the terminology of the subjects. Then, there was also a shortage of Bahasa textbooks.
Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka couldn’t translate the books fast enough. There was no advanced training to prepare us for this switch-over.
But slowly but surely the teachers faced the challenge and got a grip on things. We put in our best efforts to teach well. We prevailed.
Teachers play a very integral part in the success of any education system. Dedication is the key.
There are no hurdles human endeavour cannot overcome. If there is a will there is a way. Training to upgrade us to teaching in Bahasa came very much later.
Here, I am trying to show the lack of eagerness and response from the powers that be to bring back English-medium schools when the call from the people is so loud and clear.
The latest survey by Singapore’s Yusof Ishak Institute (ISEAS), conducted across all demographic segments in Johor, showed 82% of the respondents wanted the return of such schools.
If this survey is anything to go by, I strongly believe the rest of the people in the country share similar sentiments.
Why has the education ministry not uttered a word on this issue? Since people of all races are so keen to bring back English-medium schools, we should at least start the ball rolling now.
Why are the wishes and requests of the people not acted upon?
The time has come for Malaysians to have greater choices. We have been denied for far too long.
There are so many types of schools now — international schools, private Chinese schools, Islamic schools, the list goes on.
Adding English-medium schools to the list shouldn’t be seen as a problem. Do not politicise this move.
Have a common syllabus for the SKs, SMKs and English-medium schools. Only the medium of instruction will be different.
Lessons at international schools are in English. The only difference is affordability; international schools are good but beyond the means of the average Malaysian family.
Education is one of the best ways to get a better-paying job and get out of the clutches of poverty.
If we are sincere in helping the poor to help themselves and narrow the disparity (so much talk about it now), then we should open more doors for them. Education is the way.
We have many old established English-medium schools, such as Penang Free, Malay College, Saint Michael’s, Melaka High School and the like in the country.
For a start, some of these previous established English-medium schools can be reverted to their old status. It’s not necessary to convert all SKs, SMKs and SJKs, SMJKs to English-medium schools.
The vernacular schools can opt to retain their character. Be more open-minded and magnanimous.
As a trial, a few SKs and SMKs can be converted to English-medium schools in each state.
There will surely be some initial teething problems, but we are better endowed now than those days. We have all the facilities at our disposal to make this plan a success.
With cooperation from all stakeholders, things can work out fine.
Now is the right time for those who are keen to bring back the English-medium schools to come out and voice their support. Kudos to the Johor sultan and people of Johor for leading the way.
Bringing back English-medium schools is not tantamount to marginalising Bahasa Malaysia. In today’s competitive world, mastery of the English language is an advantage and a must.
Khoo Kok Heong in an FMT reader.
Stay current - Follow FMT on WhatsApp, Google news and Telegram
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.