Killing DLP softly

The Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) was instrumental in the formation of the

Dual Language Programme (DLP) as PPSMI (the teaching and learning of science and

mathematics in English) soft-landed and sadly, grinded to a halt.

The Prime Minister recently agreed to expedite the implementation of the National Energy

Transition Roadmap (NETR) initiatives, among others, which are important to act as a

catalyst to boost Malaysia as the regional leader in renewable energy. The initiatives are

expected to increase industry participation to explore new sources of energy and create

market demands. The first phase, comprising strategic projects with an expected investment

value of RM25bil, will create 23,000 high value employment opportunities.

Incidentally, Sarawak led by ambitious and visionary leaders, embraced PPSMI and now full-

on DLP with conviction and commitment. The World Bank recently declared the state as a

high-income one, with the intent to double up in eight years’ time. Sarawak never budged

and now is a success story for PPSMI and DLP moving forward.

While Sarawak is blasting ahead on its own trajectory, the schools in Peninsular Malaysia

are still playing tug-of-war over language dominance. Bahasa Melayu (BM) is undoubtedly

the national language and its sovereignty is enshrined in the Federal Constitution. Every

Malaysian has a role and responsibility to uphold the importance of BM. However, it has

come to our knowledge that there now appears to be an attempt to kill DLP softly, subtly

and discreetly by unseen hands.

Beginning this year, the handful of full DLP schools has been urged by their principals to give

way to non-DLP classes even though parents desire them for their children. Parents are not

given consent letters to fill as required. Year 1 students are subjected to discreet BM

assessments, if at all, to determine whether the child is suitable for DLP or otherwise. BM

can instead be learnt through the other numerous subjects rather than science and

mathematics.

We also understand that the 69 fully residential schools which fall under the Ministry of

Education share the same fate save for the 11 premier ones such as Malay College Kuala

Kangsar and Tunku Kurshiah College. The 70 Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM) which fall

under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development have been instructed to abolish DLP

from Form 1, Form 2 (even though Form 1 was conducted in English), Form 3 (after

completing two years in English) and worst Form 4 through a supposedly soft landing

because of the difficulty of obtaining science and mathematics books in BM.

If it is true that such a nefarious exercise is being conducted behind closed doors then we

urge the respective ministries to come clean. Parents who want DLP for their children are

running around like headless chickens as principals and school leaders prevent them from

seeking external help. The Ministry of Education has failed to respond to parents’ concerns

and appeals hoping parents will tire and go away. They won’t we assure you.

For the Prime Minister who believes that the education system will provide the high value

labour workforce that is required to attract the foreign direct investments he dreams of, he

would have to confront his respective ministers, who appear to have hidden agendas of

their own which will surely stall his pipe dream and instead turn it into a nightmare.

We urge the Prime Minister to intervene in ensuring DLP is given the full support it

deserves. If Malaysia cannot rely on the cream of the crop among its youth then forget

about meeting with Elon Musk next week.