Dr M: Learning Science in English helps us keep up with rapid progress
PUCHONG: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said people will better understand Science better if the subject was taught in English.
The acting education minister said this was because the English language is commonly used in the working world.
“English is mostly used in Science, even though we can translate it to Malay but the translation does not give its exact meaning.
“That is why today, we find those who are not fluent in English cannot get a job.
“In the international science conferences, the English language is widely used and if our experts are not fluent in the language, how are we to understand what is being discussed?” he asked, in a speech at the Putrajaya Convention Centre today.
Also present was Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching.
Mahathir said that as a Malay, he loves his race and the Malay language. However, he stressed that the people have to look at the bigger picture.
“Science does not stay static and new things are found and used every day. Because of that, it is hard to understand, translate and interpret it in Malay.
“Our country’s science experts will also not be able to interpret every research on time,” he said.
By Irman Hashim
