The use of English as a medium of instruction in Malaysia’s national schools is against the law, according to the Ministry of Education.
A member of parliament had asked the ministry’s stance on the use of English as a medium of instruction in Sarawak schools.
In a written reply, the ministry said that doing so is a violation of the federal constitution and the National Language Act. It also goes against “the letter and spirit” of the Education Act.
The ministry therefore “does not suggest” that English be used as the medium of instruction in schools, including in Sarawak, “to preserve and honour the supremacy of the constitution and the law”.
“Raising the standards of English among students can be done from time to time through other methods that are in line with the law and present education policies,” the ministry said.
The National Education Act states that the country’s national language, Bahasa Malaysia (BM), must be the main medium of instruction in schools. In national schools, BM also must be taught as a compulsory subject, reported MalaysiaKini.
A heated debate over the standard of English in Malaysia has taken centre-stage lately. The country’s education minister acknowledged that English is a crucial skill for students in the 21st century and said that the ministry is committed to raising the quality of teachers.
The ministry is looking into providing training and partnering with experts to improve the proficiency of English in national schools.
They are also planning to implement an English Day each week in schools. Some educators are doubtful whether schools can execute it well as teachers are ill-equipped.