Gerakan National Youth Education Bureau chief Dr Thor Teong Gee has urged the government to accept PAGE’s request for the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI) as an option.

Dr Thor said PAGE’s request is purely originated from parents’ concern of education for their children.

For the sake of human rights and freedom, the government should take into account the parents’ concern for education for their children, he said.

Dr Thor said accepting PPSMI as an option would not cause confusion.

“The true cause of confusion is inconsistency of policies. If we implement the option, it will allow diversified learning and even more effective learning,” said Dr Thor.

Penang Gerakan Legal and Human Rights bureau chief Baljit Singh said he fully supported PAGE’s request.

“PAGE is asking it as an option. That means parents can choose to continue with PPSMI or use Bahasa Malaysia,” he said, adding that our constitution does not limit certain language to teach and learn.

PPSMI was started in 2003 by then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and implemented in primary and secondary schools nationwide. But, recently the government decided to call it off.

Baljit pointed out that Section 152 of the constitution states that Bahasa Malaysia is our national language but it does not stop anyone using other languages to teach and learn.

“Our national education policy also permits parents to choose the most suitable education system for their children. Based on these points, I urge the federal government to seriously look into PAGE’S request.”