KUALA LUMPUR – Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek is firm on the current condition imposed on the dual language programme (DLP), which requires schools to have at least one class per standard or form that teaches in the national language.
She said the implementation of DLP follows guidelines outlined in a circular released by the ministry dated March 19, 2024.
“Schools implementing the DLP must ensure that opportunities are available for students who wish to study science and mathematics in either the national language or their mother tongue,” she said in a statement today.
This requirement starts with Standard 1 and Form 1 for the 2024/2025 school session.
Fadhlina said the ministry is committed to addressing the issues to ensure that DLP is implemented effectively, adhering to established guidelines and achieving its objectives.
She added that the Penang Education Department has initiated engagement sessions with all stakeholders regarding objections to the DLP in several schools.
Yesterday, school boards and parent-teacher associations from 11 SMJK and Chinese secondary schools in Penang urged the ministry to honour parents’ preferences and retain the original intent of DLP for science and mathematics.
The DLP is an initiative under the Upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening the Command of English policy, allowing schools to teach science and mathematics in English.
The programme aims to enhance English proficiency among students by increasing exposure through the two subjects.
Earlier, DAP national chairman Lim Guan Eng said most parents, including Malays, support DLP being implemented in schools unconditionally and that they should be allowed to decide if they want their children to learn the two subjects in English. – June 6, 2024