ON the issue of whether the teaching of Science and Mathematics should be in Bahasa Malaysia or English, let us consider this: Could our angkasawan have achieved his ambition if he had not received his education in English?

This is not to imply that education in Bahasa Malaysia has not been successful. With an education in Bahasa Malaysia, the country has progressed to possibly achieve developed status by 2020.

Our present system of education has the necessary infrastructure and resources to provide for the teaching of Science and Mathematics in both Bahasa Malaysia and English. This dichotomy between Bahasa Malaysia and English as the medium of education should not be an issue as both languages can easily be successfully used.

If it was accepted that both languages would be used, there should be no urban-rural dichotomy.

There should not be any preconceived idea of teaching in English only in urban settings and in Bahasa Malaysia only in rural settings.

Avoid a solution where one system fits all. Choose the language that would be more effective to achieve a particular goal, irrespective of urban or rural settings.

PHILIP LOO KIM SENG, Kuala Lumpur

Source: NST – September 25, 2008