My thoughts about language to be used for core subjects in the school.

There seems to be a lot of hoo hah about what language should the Education Department enforced in the school especially for core subjects like mathematics and science. What puzzles me is that why the fuss? My daughter Megan is now in primary four and moving to primary five next year. She started of with english language in science and maths since primary one. As at now, I don't see any problems of her understanding both subject. Infact, I really support and agree that this two core subjects should be continued to be taught in english language simply because I want both of children (Alistair age 13t and Megan age 10+) able to master english language proficiently. Having just one english subject will not help at all especially when it is not our mother tongue. Let's be realistic.

When we look for a job, english proficiency is a must, what more if we want to join the private or foreign companies. I have met a lot of graduating students from local universities and colleges (doing practical in my organization) and I really pity them because their english command are very weak. I wonder why? Could not really blame them though. But, I am sure they will encounter difficulties looking for a job if the job recruiters expect them to be good in english language. There maybe critics that state it is not a major problems, but just imagine if it happen to our children.
So, as a parent, I would expect my children will be facing similar problems if they do not start mastering the english language from now on. I believe such problems can be prevented and I have to start now. That's why, I really support that the two core subject namely the science and mathematics should be taught in english. Of course, the school is not responsible for ensuring my children to be really good in english language but then, to a certain extent it does have impact on them. In fact, one way of helping my children to understand english better is by encouraging them to read english books.I am thankful that I started to read children story books to them since they were 3 yrs old. Reader Digest childrens story book is indeed a good investment. My daughter Megan was even able to orate the story book at the age of 5 yrs.

So with the above mentioned thoughts, it is my hope that the Education Department will not change their mind reverting to Bahasa Malaysia for the core subjects but instead to maintain as it is, using the english language.
One thing for sure, to encourage my children to be proficient in english language does not mean that I am an 'unpatriotic person'. I am a realistic and practical person. If I can prevent my children from experiencing such problems in the future, then I might as well do it now.

Prevention is better than cure and it is even cheaper.