Going DOWNHILL

The federal government succumbs to short-sightedness and anti-English pressure despite measured opinions and an independent poll showing that the majority of Malaysians want the teaching of mathematics and science in English to continue.

According to The Malaysian Insider, the poll by the Merdeka Centre also showed that a whopping 69 percent of Malaysians backed the recent proposal by Muhyiddin Yassin to make a pass in English compulsory in the SPM examination. Only 26 per cent of those polled disagreed, while five per cent were undecided.

Despite the very vocal protest by some educationists and politicians, the poll suggested many ordinary Malaysians did not agree with their nationalistic views and concerns that rural and Malay students would not be able to cope.

Asked about the teaching of science and mathematics in English, 58 percent of Malaysians polled wanted the policy to be maintained. Only 32 per cent of those polled wanted the English policy to be reversed, while nine per cent were undecided.

Some 1,060 selected registered voters were surveyed between 19 June and 1 July. According to the methodology of the survey, 44 per cent of the respondents were classified in the rural demographic while 56 per cent were from urban areas. The margin of error is about +/- 3 per cent. The survey was jointly commissioned by Merdeka Centre and a research house.