Please Do Not Abolish PPSMI

As the title suggested, I would like to talk about the hot talks about the cancellation of PPSMI. It is, indeed, a sad news for all students. Teaching Mathematics and Science in English is undeniably a very important approach for Malaysia to improve, to ensure Malaysia's education system is on the par with the world's standard and to make sure Malaysia is not left behind in the world of education.

Unfortunately, two years ago, they had been discussion about PPSMI, saying teachers found it exceedingly challenging to teach these two subjects in English, and therefore a commotion was born, and after they made waves, PPSMI is abolished, effective next year. I find this move preposterous and screamingly stupid. Here's my opinion:

Yes, it is indeed very difficult to learn them in English. But that should not be the reason that hinder our learning. Malays - as mentioned by every people, I do not know the true facts - find it difficult to learn them in English, and say it's already mind-boggling trying to learn Maths and Science in Malay, and it's more difficult to learn them in English. But, have they considered, Chinese and Indians and every other races too have troubles learning Maths and Science in English. We've been criticised very often and sometimes slated for our inaccuracy in writing our answers. My teacher once told me: "You understand the concept, but you can't write them because your English is not good. What you wrote is not what you wanted to deliver'. Learning Maths and Science in English, though difficult, should not be a reason for PPSMI to be abolished.

Learning them is hard, but if we want to improve, we have to face them with bravery and determination. Again, it is indeed true China, Japan and Korea are able to be developed countries even though they learn them in their own language. But please note that Malaysians are not as disciplined and hard-working as them. And I don't understand why they brought this up in the first place. So what if they learn Maths and Science in their own language? Why do we have to follow them? Why do we have to look at this angle? Why can't we see learning Maths and Science in English as a mean to improve, a route to success, a journey to victory?

I'm not trying to be offensive, but Malaysia has not achieved what Japan, Korea and China do. Don't compare ourselves with them yet.

And, 6 years is too soon to say PPSMI fails to work. Most students who studied Maths and Science in English, even the first batch of students, have not graduated from university and contribute to the society. They're still learning. How do you know PPSMI failed? Based on what?

6 years is, as I mentioned earlier, way too soon to say it's not working. Please don't abolish PPSMI, for the sake of Malaysian, please don't!