Malaysian Indians Progressive Association (MIPAS) wants the government to listen to the people’s voice with regard to the Teaching and Learning of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI) issue in line with the “People First” spirit. We urge the government to accept a request from the Parents Action Group for Education (PAGE) for the teaching of Science and Mathematics (PPSMI) in English as an option.

The government speaks of, “People First”, but we feel that we are being treated as “Parents and their Children Last”.

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin who is also education minister said that PPSMI matter is closed, policy is final, full stop! and will not bow down to demands from small group. The DPM Muhyiddin Yassin should understand that they (BN) cannot form a government without the support of the people. When comes to 13th General Election will they bow down to the voters? We don’t understand why the DPM is so arrogant, adamant and stubborn in his attitude towards solving an education problem?

The DPM did the same to the Interlok issue and there is no solution until today. But National Interlok Action Team (NIAT) will never ever give-up and will continue it’s struggle and fights until the Interlok Novell is removed from the school syllabus.

Giving our children the best education options is a fundamental right of the Malaysians. For the sake of human rights and freedom the government should take into accounts the parents’ concern for education for their children.

If the government can allow lessons to be taught in Tamil or Mandarin, why not English? The current batch of teachers have been teaching the two subjects in English for the past nine years. So far there has been no problems for them. So why not continue doing so?

If the government cannot see the importantance of teaching Science and Mathematics in English, then I think perhaps it is not the right government to rule the country.

MIPAS suggests that all the Ministers’ and VIPS’ children should not be allowed to study in International schools or study overseas at primary and secondary levels.

We are concerned that the rural students, especially Malays, would end up speaking only Malay because they would have no opportunity in which to apply English.They should compete with Chinese and Indian students. Malaysia is going against the tide when countries all over the world are pushing for English.

MIPAS is unhappy with Tun Dr.Mahathir Mohamad’s silence over the issue. PPSMI is his brainchild. MIPAS urges the Barisan Nasional government not to politicise the education system and our childrens’ future for their political advantage.

MIPAS hopes Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak will listen to the people when it comes to deciding on the PPSMI issue as it will give a better chance for BN to get the two-thirds majority in 13th general election. 

– Barathidasan Saminathan, Secretary General, Malaysian Indians Progressive Association (MIPAS)