THE cabinet’s last discussion on the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI) did not come to any decision on whether it should be revived, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said today.

The matter was brought up in the cabinet early last year “but there was no decision” made, he told reporters in Penang today.

Reports yesterday of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s recent meeting with Education Ministry officials, at which he said increased focus would be given to the teaching of science and mathematics in English, were more likely in reference to the voluntary Dual-Language Programme (DLP), Lim said.

“I think what Tun was talking about is the DLP. Did he say PPSMI? I don’t think he did. The DLP is voluntary. Parents have a choice.

“With the DLP, I agree it should be strengthened. We can do more to ensure this is carried out well, teachers are equipped, unlike previously where it (teaching science and maths in English) could not be done in rural areas,” Lim said after attending an event in George Town today.

He was asked if the cabinet had recently discussed reviving PPSMI, following remarks by the acting education minister in a video during a meeting with ministry officials.

Dr Mahathir called for increased focus on the teaching of science and maths in English, but made no specific mention of PPSMI.

PPSMI was introduced in 2002 during Dr Mahathir’s first term as prime minister. It was pushed through despite protests from vernacular school supporters, educators and parents.

The policy was intended to arrest the declining English proficiency among students, particularly Malays. It was abolished in 2009, when Najib Razak took over as prime minister.

At present, students in some schools learn science and mathematics in English under the DLP, which is voluntary.

Dr Mahathir’s remarks have been taken to mean the revival of PPSMI and drew immediate criticism from several quarters, including PKR.

Those against it consider it a regression to a failed Barisan Nasional-era policy and recycling of old ideas.

Selangor PKR Youth chief Mohd Najwan Halimi also said the cabinet must reject Dr Mahathir’s idea, adding that the reintroduction of the policy was not mentioned in the Pakatan Harapan manifesto.

Dr Mahathir, however, said learning science and maths in English would be helpful for Malay students, many of whom he said were later unable to find work in companies where English proficiency is required.

Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching also said PPSMI was not discussed during Dr Mahathir’s meeting with education ministry officials.

“PPSMI was not on the agenda at the meeting and we did not discuss any details on implementation,” she was reported telling Sin Chew Daily. – February 1, 2020.