by Theleaders-Online | January 31, 2020 7:39 am
PUCHONG: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that English will be used to teach Mathematics and Science subjects in school again.
The acting education minister said it was aimed at promoting and mastering English among our schoolchildren.
“It is very important that we give time for English, particularly in learning Science and Mathematics.
“Geography and History can come in any language but Maths and Science are not indigenous fields of knowledge. It comes from abroad,” he said, during a special meeting with Education Ministry management officials yesterday.
A video of his address was later uploaded on his Facebook account.
The Teaching and Learning of Science and Maths in English (or better known as PPSMI) was introduced in phases, beginning with Year One, Form One and Lower Six students in 2003 under Mahathir’s first tenure as prime minister.
It was abolished in 2013 by then prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak after succumbing to Malay pressure groups.
Mahathir said the proposal was made after findings showed that those who studied Mathematics and Science in Bahasa Melayu find it hard to look for job.
He added the country and rakyat wanted to see reforms in the education system.
“I have ideas for the role of education in the country and to address this, certain weaknesses have to be attended to.
“I wish to put my views on record so that we can work together to achieve it.
Of course, my views are not always popular or acceptable to many people but I feel we have to push certain things so that our children grow up and are able to tackle the problems of adult life – that is the purpose of education,” he said.
By Irman Hashim
Source URL: https://theleaders-online.com/dr-m-english-will-be-used-to-teach-science-maths-again/
Copyright ©2026 The Leaders Online unless otherwise noted.