MAKING a pass in English compulsory at SPM level will not resolve the issue of the teaching of science and maths in English.

Any scientist or mathematician will agree that learning science and maths in English is far different from that of learning the English language. Science and maths in English, compared to English communication and business English, requires different learning skills.

A person who speaks fluent English may not necessarily understand scientific and mathematical terms. Science and maths are extremely technical, eg catalytic oxidative dehydrogenation of light alkanes. Do we really have the capacity to translate?

The decision on teaching science and maths in English should be based on opinions of scientists, mathematicians or experts and professionals who are directly involved in these fields such as engineers, architects, doctors, etc while the decision on English can be made by language experts or even politicians. Neither should be at the expense of the other. 

Incidentally, it is simpler to teach science and maths in English than it is to teach the English language. 

The degree of knowledge absorbed through science, technology and maths determines a country’s survival in a globalised and competitive world. New discoveries are made every day.

While we still struggle with translations, new discoveries are yet again made, leaving us even further behind.

For this reason, too, it is vital that our young are exposed to these technical terms as early as possible. And for this reason, too, whatever the decision, it must prepare our children for jobs in the future and beyond, jobs that are non-existent now.

We implore our scientific and mathematical-related professionals to provide a solution to the teaching of science and maths in English for the government to be able to decide once and for all what is best for the future of our young, our beloved country and the success of 1Malaysia.

Datin Noor Azimah
Abdul Rahim
Chair
Parent Action Group
for Education