KUCHING: Sufficient needs —allocations and resources made available — for the implementation programme of teaching science and mathematics in English must be fundamental for the teachers.
Sarawak Teachers’ Union (STU) president Macky Joseph said this as he was commenting on Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s announcement whereby English will once again be used as a medium to teach Science and Mathematics.
He stated that the policy is already in place in Sarawak, with Primary One pupils completing the transition period for the month of January.
“Teachers steadily assisted for the programme is of course mandatory.
“Hence, we urge for sufficient needs (for the programme), so that teachers are able to deliver when teaching the pupils,” he said in a statement.
Macky also reminded the need for fast Internet connectivity in both urban and rural schools.
“This is so that it will be easier for teachers and students to gather information related to science and mathematics,” he said.
On Jan 31, Bernama reported Dr Mahathir saying that English will once again be used to teach science and mathematics.
The acting Education Minister stated the use of English and mastery of the language in the education system must be promoted.
“It is very important that we give time for English, particularly in learning science and mathematics. Geography and history can come in any language but science and mathematics are not indigenous fields of knowledge. It comes from abroad.
“And most of it comes to us in English, therefore we are going to use English in the teaching of science and mathematics,” he said, adding that those who have studied science in Malay, will later find it difficult to work where English was required.
KCH-pstu english-0102-aj-PS STU president Macky Joseph
