NIBONG TEBAL, June 20 — The new Dual Language Programme (DLP) guidelines apply to all government schools, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
All government schools must have a class teaching mathematics and science in the Malay language, in line with the Upholding of the Malay Language and Strengthening the English Language (MBMMBI) policy.
She also refuted claims that some schools need not comply with DLP guidelines.
“It (the claim) is not true. We have asked all (government) schools to comply with and refer to the guidelines. No problem so far.
“For schools that have issues with the implementation, we will go to the ground and assist them,” Fadhlina told the press today.
Meanwhile, she also welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s proposal to establish an aid scheme that would appoint volunteers from Singapore to teach English in poor urban, rural, and remote areas, including Sabah and Sarawak.
“This appointment does not involve any additional cost to the government as claimed by some parties; rather, it is proof of the close diplomatic cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore.
“The services of these volunteer teachers will be paid for by the Singapore government, and this initiative will allow students, teachers, and the school to gain exposure to good teaching and learning practices and innovation,” Fadhlina said.
Such initiatives are always implemented by the Education Ministry via the exchange of teachers from developed countries including South Korea, Australia, and the United States.
Earlier, the minister launched the Sekolah Pengajar dan MBMMBI: Sahabat Bahasa Institut Pendidikan Guru Malaysia programme at SK Sungai Bakap.
According to Fadhlina, the programme was also an effort to improve students’ proficiency in Malay and English.
Developed in collaboration with teacher education institutes, it sees experts from the institutes sent to selected teaching schools to improve teaching methods in the language in question.
Among the activities included critical reading, language skills, reading culture programmes, and linguistic activities.
— Bernama
