THE ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute survey that found 82% of Johoreans want the return of English-medium schools is sound, said Merdeka Center for Opinion Research.

The study, which was done between May and June this year, is comprehensive and correctly reflected the views of Johoreans, said Merdeka Center director Ibrahim Suffian today.

“The survey reflects the majority view of Johor citizens and the methodology is in line with academic standards,” Ibrahim told The Malaysian Insight on WhatsApp.

“The survey covered the citizen distribution in Johor. Additional information can be obtained by ISEAS,” he added.

Ibrahim was commenting on Movement to Abolish the Teaching of Science and Maths in English (GMP) advisor Dr Shaharir Mohamad Zain’s criticism of the study today.

Shaharir said the study did not indicate the breakdown of rural and urban residents and did not truly reflect the racial demographics of Johor.

The survey, which interviewed 2,011 respondents in Johor, found that there was strong cross section support for the return of English-medium schools in the state.

“This support is strong across all demographic segments, even among Malay and rural respondents who in the past were not that supportive of the Dual Language Programme (DLP) to teach mathematics and science in English,” said ISEAS.

The survey, which was released on November 13, said the support was highest among Indians at 88%, followed by Chinese (87%) and Malays (77%).

The survey interviewed 1,104 (55% ethnic) Malay respondents, 758 (38%) ethnic Chinese respondents, and 149 (7%) ethnic Indian respondents.

Of these, 340 respondents were between the ages of 21-30-years-old; 455 between the ages of 31-40-years-old; 546 between the ages of 41-50-years-old; 409 respondents between the ages of 51-60-years-old; and 261 respondents above 61.

Merdeka Center, which helped run the survey for ISEAS, is affiliated to the World Association for Public Opinion Research (WAPOR). – November 22, 2017.