Majority wants Science, Maths taught in

English
PETALING JAYA: Although there have been objections from sections in the public
on the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English, a recent poll conducted by the
Merdeka Center for Opinion Research suggests that the majority are for it. Of the 1,018
participants of the Fourth Quarter 2008 Peninsular Malaysia Voter Survey, 57% agreed that
the subjects should be taught in English. “This means people recognise the importance of
the language in the education system,” said the centre’s programme director Ibrahim Suffian
yesterday.

He, however, added that the results were just a “scratch of the surface” because
authorities should explore other aspects of the policy like the challenges it may pose to
students as well as ways to improve the quality of teaching in English. The survey also
revealed that the public had mixed reaction on whether they were pleased with Datuk Seri
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s performance as Prime Minister, with 46% saying they were and
another 46% expressing dissatisfaction.

Ibrahim said the results reflected the current political mode of society whereby the
public recognised the Opposition as an alternative to the country’s leadership. Some 41% of
the respondents believed that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak would
make a good prime minister when he assumed office, as opposed to 36% who disagreed.
“The numbers show that Najib enjoys more support from the Malays compared with the non-
Malays. “This indicates that the non-Malays are still uncertain about his capabilities and are
waiting to see what he can do,” Ibrahim said.

The public was also split about the newly-formed Malaysian Anti-Corruption
Commission, with 43% expressing confidence in the body to succeed in fighting corruption
while another 45% were sceptical.