I SAT the Literature in English paper in the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia examination last year.

This subject is not popular in schools in Malaysia. I obtained a C+ in this paper.

My parents had to hunt for a tutor and pay a big fee so that I could take this subject.

I was given to understand that only 50 to 70 candidates took this paper.

One of the criteria to apply for the TESL (Teaching of English as a Second Language) course is a credit in the STPM Literature in English paper.

I was called for a suitability test last month but not called for an interview held a few days ago in Batu Pahat.

One of my neighbours who went for the interview mentioned that only seven Chinese and Indian candidates were called.

The interviewers were of one ethnic group and were abrupt in their questions and spoke in Bahasa Malaysia 90 per cent of the time.

The final question was on current events and my friend was told to answer in English. The interviewers stared at him blankly when he responded in fluent English.

Minister of Education Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has stressed on the need to improve English in all schools.

He may not be aware of how candidates for the TESL course are being selected.

Many of those at the interview only obtained a credit in English at the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia level.

Some of them were not even able to converse fluently in English when my friend spoke to them.

They spoke “Manglish”.

I would like the authorities to investigate and make public the criteria for candidates who apply for the TESL course.

I am waiting anxiously for a place in the TESL course as I have the qualifications.

Please be fair and let meritocracy survive.

R.T., Batu Pahat

Source: NST – May 20, 2008