Its secretary-general Asri Abu Zarin said the government needed to review the effectiveness of the PPSMI when it was first implemented in 2003.
“If PPSMI is going to be implemented again, all shortcomings must be overcome.
“GPMS and others share the same concern on the students’ ability to understand Science and Mathematics if they are not taught in the mother tongue,” he told FMT.
PPSMI was introduced in Year One in primary schools and Form One in secondary schools in 2003. However, it was abolished in 2013.
The government then introduced the Dual Language Programme (DLP) involving 22,960 primary and secondary students from November 2018.
On January 31, Mahathir announced that English would once again be used to teach Maths and Science to promote the use and mastery of the language.
Asri suggested that the government should introduce a syllabus and a special module for kindergartens to support PPSMI’s goals.
“This is to ensure early preparation for Science and Mathematics in English can be provided and this will surely enhance the effectiveness of PPSMI at a later stage.”
He called on the government to review teachers’ competency in the English language.
He also said there was a need to consider challenges in rural areas and the preparation and appropriate measures needed to ensure a successful implementation of the PPSMI.
“This is to ensure a balance between having a basic understanding of science and mathematics as well as mastery of the English language, especially among Malay students.
“GPMS believes this policy could have a good impact if implemented properly,” said Asri who also urged the education ministry to discuss with relevant stakeholders such as parents, teachers and academics.
The Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) Malaysia, meanwhile, supported the implementation of the policy and urged all parties to be confident and take the bold step of teaching Maths and Science in English for the future of the youth and the country.
“Malaysia needs over 500,000 scientists and engineers for economic growth so that Malaysians can enjoy a better quality of life,” PAGE chairman Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim told FMT.
“Malaysians have great potential, therefore we need to take this opportunity to benefit from the progress of global innovation.
“If we have skilled professionals and (workers) ready to meet any challenges, we can expect an increase in foreign direct investment (FDI),” said Azimah.