It was only last October that the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi denied that “UMNO is big bully in Barisan Nasional” when he spoke at the MCA General Assembly.
This makes it all the more unusual the spectacle of a MCA Minister and Deputy Minister publicly tell the “lameduck” Prime Minister and UMNO President to “buzz off” as evident from the following news reports:
(1) New Sunday Times (8.3.09) – “PM: Resolve language issue before it gets out of hand” –
KUALA LUMPUR: The prime minister wants the Education Ministry to decide quickly whether Science and Mathematics should continue to be taught in English.
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the contentious issue should be resolved before it got out of hand.
“This issue has become bigger and more sensitive. I hope the ministry will make a decision on the matter fast.
“If not, the issue will become even bigger and the pressure from non-governmental organisations will continue,” he said after launching a fantasy novel written by 13-year-old Adam Umemoto titled Dragonfire Hammer.
(2) Asked to comment on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s call for a quick decision on the policy’s future, Hishammuddin said only the cabinet could make the final decision.
He said his ministry was responsible for collecting and presenting facts and figures to the cabinet, which would then make a decision based on the findings of a 21/2-month study on the policy’s progress.
Hishammuddin said the outcome of the study, which was started after the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah results were released in December last year, would be presented to the cabinet “in the near future”.
But he will first have to address a memorandum on the results that would in turn be sent to the relevant ministries and agencies for feedback.
A final report would then be generated to be given to the cabinet to help it decide on the policy’s future, he added.
Hishammuddin urged calm and the public’s understanding to allow the government to make the right decision. (New Straits Times 9.3.09)
3. Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said those seeking to scrap the policy should check their facts before pointing fingers.
“We don’t make decisions on the behalf of the government. We are only the executing authority. The decision to use English for the teaching of Science and Mathematics was a collective decision made by the cabinet in 2002.”
He urged detractors of the policy to be patient until Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein tabled a working paper on the matter.
Cabinet members are expected to make a decision based on the paper.
Wee, who was responding to Saturday’s march by some 5,000 protesters against the policy, added that Hishammuddin was upset by allegations made in a police report that he had a hidden agenda in pushing for the move.
“It’s as though people are not looking back into history. To set the record straight, Hishammuddin was appointed to the post in 2004 and he is just continuing an existing policy.” (NST 9.3.09)
4. “The final decision will only be made after a working paper has been presented to the Cabinet.” – MCA President Datuk Seri Ong Tee Kiat. (NST 9.3.09)
This is as good as the MCA Minister and Deputy Minister publicly rebuking Abdullah for not knowing what he was talking about on the subject.
But then, they are only following in the footsteps of the outgoing UMNO Youth Leader, UMNO National Vice President aspirant and Education Minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein in publicly snubbing Abdullah’s call to the Education Ministry to “decide quickly” on the six-year controversy on the use of English to teach science and mathematics from Standard One.
Wow, it is indeed a sight to see – a MCA Minister and Deputy Minister publicly telling the lame-duck Prime Minister and UMNO President to buzz off, but this is done only in the comfort and security after a public snub to Abdullah by Hishammuddin!
How quickly Pak Lah has fallen in the public esteem of UMNO, MCA and other Barisan Nasional leaders although he is still in name the Prime Minister for the next few weeks!
#1 by k1980 on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 1:14 pm
Dollah is leaving in just a couple of weeks. That’s why they are so bold as to tell him to bugger off…
#2 by yhsiew on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 1:21 pm
Apparently MCA is doing a “sandiwara” to convince Malaysian Chinese that MCA is no weak political party within BN.
If Datuk Seri Ong Tee Kiat and Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong got the guts, they would have made the comment before Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein did so.
#3 by LBJ on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 1:24 pm
There are several interesting statements. It is clear no one want to be connected with this issue.
1. The prime minister wants the Education Ministry to decide quickly whether Science and Mathematics should continue to be taught in English.
(He want to be the good guy. Who, me make the decision?)
2. Hishammuddin said only the cabinet could make the final decision.
He said his ministry was responsible for collecting and presenting facts and figures to the cabinet, which would then make a decision based on the findings of a 21/2-month study on the policy’s progress.
(Hishammuddin don’t want and dare not decide. If he die, he want all the ministers to die together with him – collective responsibility. )
3. Wee Ka Siong said those seeking to scrap the policy should check their facts before pointing fingers.
“We don’t make decisions on the behalf of the government. We are only the executing authority. The decision to use English for the teaching of Science and Mathematics was a collective decision made by the cabinet in 2002.”
(Not me, it is the other guys. I am only carrying out orders. Dont blame me. I dont make decision)
4. The final decision will only be made after a working paper has been presented to the Cabinet.” – MCA President Datuk Seri Ong Tee Kiat. (NST 9.3.09)
( Delay, delay, delay)
#4 by grace on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 1:36 pm
Pak lah should know his position by now! His words tak laku already. He still thinks highly of himself when the rest of the nation are already starting the countdown for him.
Teaching Science and Maths in English would be a tremendous disadvantage for rural children especially in Kamoung, New villages and interior if Sabah and Sarawak.
The town kids will not find problem with English because they have been exposed to it in kindy or spoken at home or at play.
But rural kids do not know a single word in English when they go to school.
If they can’t understand English, hiw on earth can they understand the subject taught in English.
This is equivalent to killing two birds with one stone! Can you?
In the end, the gap between the rural folks and town will be wider and wider!!!
#5 by sheriff singh on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 1:45 pm
So our Ministers are really nobodies. Their Ministries are only “……responsible for collecting and presenting facts and figures to the cabinet, which would then make a decision…..”.
Sad. Ministers without powers. They pass the buck around so that they will not be blamed for anything. The Cabinet is responsible for everything, thats why we need 33 Cabinet Ministers to decide on everything, so everything is divided by 33 or so. They have plenty of time to waste and we pay them for passing the potatos around. And drink alot of tea and eat kueh-mueh. Then rubber stamp everything as Cabinet’s decision.
I want to be a Minister too. Its an easy and cushy job. If only I can find RM 20 million incentive money without getting caught.
#6 by wanderer on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 2:42 pm
Political beggars from MCA are just following their instinct, aware they will be having a new master soon. Join the Q or be left out…Mic are still busy fighting among themselves.
This is really ‘Circus La troupe con artists!’ Main attraction, coming soon to Bohonland.
#7 by ALLAN THAM on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 2:43 pm
All those Minister are just as lamb as the Pm and dare to voice up only when he is leaving that they dare to voice up.
Any way the rice bowl is more important to serve the people.
#8 by Sony boy on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 2:44 pm
Uncle Kit,
How come there was no objection 6 years ago by the defenders of Bahasa Malaysia like Gapena and PAS?
Also, I cannot find your speech on this issue 6 years ago. Please can you post again in your blog?
I think people from the Malay department is worried their budget expenditure will be cut?
Before Merdeka, pupils of any races have to go to English schools for education. They have to learn every subject in English. Many Malays, Indians became government officers.
How come now Malays/Chinese/Tamil students cannot cope with English?
???
#9 by cemerlang on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 2:53 pm
Children learn the fastest when they are children. No matter how hard it is for an adult, a child learns when the same thing is repeatedly taught. Back those times if Tun Mahathir had not learned English, it is doubtful he was a Prime Minister later. Back those times if Datuk Zambry had not learned English, it is doubtful the Barisan Nasional would consider him for the Chief Minister’s post in Perak. Or for this matter, if Datuk Nizar had not learned English he would not be the legitimate Chief Minister of Perak. Just because they are in the rural areas does not mean they cannot learn. Just because the teachers are not fluent in English does not mean the teachers cannot teach. Whatever avenue that is opened, let it stay open. You are not asking the kids to pass in English. You are asking that certain subjects be taught in English. Continue with all the revision classes, with all the workbooks, with all the tuition classes the teachers themselves give. The teachers should be committed to teaching the kids. It takes a committment on the part of the teachers to impart the knowledge to the kids in whatever ways they can. They are supposed to use audio visual aids to help them or else what is the money for ? The money is not to be used for the frogging games. Instead part of the budget is to help the rural children to learn something. Now it is already 2009. 2020 is just round the corner and you are giving the excuses that there are rural kids who cannot command the English language. Then you can be sure all your efforts in raising the education standard is going into the drain. In Malaysia, you should master your national language for one, your mother tongue second and one universal language third. Imagine a child who can recite all the books of the Quran at a tender age. He can because he is doing that repeatedly. Why can’t you do the same with the English language ? Or those subjects taught in English ? Or any other subject which you are weak in ? Tune your brain to the subject concerned. Then it will remember. Some kids pass or score not because they understand but because they can remember the characters, the pictures, the colours, the highlighted points. All these make them pass, though not more intelligent. Of course, perfection is if they can understand what they have memorized.
#10 by k1980 on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 3:35 pm
Why are rural kids unable to learn the English Language? Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that the reason is that their parents discourage them from studying the subject, by telling them that it is the language of Satan, the infidels and the Crusaders. It all boils down to the attitude of the learner and his/her home environment
#11 by Loh on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 3:59 pm
AAB was only stating the practice when he asked the Minister to make a decision; since the Cabinet only endorses whatever said by the Ministers. AAB said it without any pretense that the Cabinet ministers had any role in deciding matters not connected with their ministries. Actually AAB as PM was not involved in making decision on matters concerning the ministries, and he said the Minister of Education should state the decision as soon as possible.
Tne Minister of Education knew very well that he has the support of AAB’s boss, Najib. That was why he could use the excuse of having to go through some processes before the matter can be submitted to the Cabinet, and he intends it to be after AAB is no longer the figure head. Kerismuddin was also firm that IPCMC should not be establised. That might have to do not so much with the threat that crime rate might increase but rather a tradeoff for being less enthusiatics in investigating certain cases. Kerisman had been appointed spokesman, and he is now sounding his master’s voice.
#12 by paperlesshomework on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 4:51 pm
Actually the problem with the current state of affairs have been the failure of the use of technology to accelerate learning of the Englihs Language. The tools and platforms the govt had used so far has not been as effective when they either use CDs or flash broadband.
The end result is no result.
Check out our powerpoint to know for the first time why current technologies used are not suitable for education in mass education.
Continued use woud fail and continue to fail no matter how much moneny the govt pours into trying to improve English.
http://www.paperlesshomework.com/ppt/AGE4telecenters2.ppt 1.6 mbyte no voice over
As it is, the schools can hardly provide good English foundations simply because of the limited hours that each student is able to practise English. One needs to hear and speak as often as possible to learn and master the language.
Here in school you have Chinese students start speaking Mandarin and Malays students start speaking BM the moment they leave the English classes. Do they have the opportunity to listen and hear how proper English is spoken at home? Current schools ICT systems do not allow that.
Our system, funded by two Malaysian govt grants and a finalist in the Stockholm Challenge 2009 , aims to overcome such… if only the schools throughout the country start using it. We alreadly have distributors in many African countries, India , China etc.
So if anyone of you , who wants to help his own community , be it Malay, Chinese or Indian, you can become our affiliates to support the system in schools around your area. Income is huge… just look at http://www.paperlesshomework.com/Yreseller.htm
This inivitation goes to Berhormat LKS and Pakatan too.
Have a look at our site at http://www.paperlesshomework.com and discover something you never thought possible before…
Closing the digital divides of nations without the need for broadband for a greener world.
Cheers all
Alan
#13 by shadow on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 5:02 pm
Those days we went to Chinese/Malay/Tamil schools until std VI and then went to English medium schools. Most of my classmates are teachers, lawyers, engineers and doctors. The system was changed by the great TDM that the secondary schools to teach all subjects in Bahasa Malaysia. The chinese students and the indian students got adjusted to the system. For malay students, it was easy. Majority of the malay students were sent to other countries to further their studies. They came back with all sorts of degrees. The irony of the system was that they can’t speak proper English. Whom to be blamed? Before TDM step down, he introduced the present system that Maths and Science to be tought in English. (The great TDM realised that the old system had failed the malay students.) At present, most of the students can speak English language well because of the introduction of English to teach Maths and science. Most of the graduate teachers now are from the old system. They find difficult to teach Maths and Science in English. But they blame the students. The government should send good English speaking teachers to the rural areas to teach these subjects. Pay them more, they’ll go. Please don’t change the present system just because of the recent demonstration. This will definitely hurt the students. GOD bless Malaysia.
#14 by cemerlang on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 5:24 pm
Back those days, if you major in one language from primary 1 until primary 6, then you have to go for a transition class for a year. This was to tune you to the medium of instruction and that was English. There was not much of a problem because language does not prove whether you can pass your exams or not. In the end if you work hard, you pass and without realizing it, you have an added advantage over others and that is the ability to use another language. Language is different from intelligence which is different from passing. Example you may know your own mother tongue but you cannot pass your exams and somehow later in your life, your inborn intelligence help you in your business and you become a successful businessman. Separate these three; language, intelligence, passing exams. Teachers who complain that they cannot teach in English. Have they ever wonder how others who are not fluent in Bahasa Malaysia teach subjects in Bahasa Malaysia ? If they can do it, why can’t they ? Use broken English. Use broken Bahasa Malaysia. The secret is make the students think and write and do that repeatedly like reciting the Quran. The students cannot read Jawi. They cannot read Arabic. But they can recite the Quran. How if not by doing it five times a day and everyday. If you wish to associate Islam and the use of Bahasa Malaysia. Then you should think. If you can recite the Quran, why can’t you remember what is taught ? Scientists say that humans underuse their brains that Allah gives. Next point. If anybody is to be mad with the crusaders and Christianity and associating it with the English language and the infidels, then it should be your ancestors living through those independence days. Right after independence, they still allowed English to be used. Why didn’t they just strike out English there and then on the 31 of August 1957 ? Therefore, language is language. Religion is religion. Allah never says that Bahasa Malaysia is the only language that mankind should know. In another words, while you think you are challenging men, you forget that you are challenging God. Malaysians, you deserve to be all that God wants you to be.
#15 by boh-liao on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 5:56 pm
But some people who learnt English when they were young and in the unversity still cannot understand and speak English. And this trait is very useful to save one from being thrown into jail in a foreign land. Don’t believe – ask the corrupted one who carried a bagful of cash running around in a foreign international airport. No speech Anglaish, no guilty.
#16 by boh-liao on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 5:56 pm
Too good in English, jail loh. Mati lah.
#17 by Godfather on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 6:05 pm
To UMNO and MCA, let me just say this: DELAY NO MORE.
Those who understand Cantonese will know exactly what I mean.
#18 by lcclck on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 6:06 pm
Dear All,
China had sent their scientists to SPACE and we had tumpang with Russians.
Do you think China only understand Chinese only??
Who had brought some ideas of the advancement in Space technologies?
But the point is not about what Language you learnt, it is about your attitude, you want to leanr or you wanna to be parasites??
You are what your minds wanna you to be!!
BM had helped us to communicate with Malays, but the Malays had NOT learnt well to understand what Chinese + indians in Malaysia, they had LOST the chances of learning good cultures of Chinese + Indians, and they had tried to suppress the chances of others with pretext that BM is a must, and eventually Chinese + Indians excelled in the BM, they found their so called advantage had gone, and unity is NOT with BM alone, and I felt sad that we had such a narro mind about Language, and if we could use English to help the Malays, Chinese + Indians to earn better money, to be a better person or a very good Malaysian, why stop using English??
The ugliness is about those champions and extremists had now emerged without the great Tun Dr Mahathir, and those who dared not challenge him and kept their mouths shut when TDM had ordered the teahcing of Maths + Science in English, mind you Maths is mainly formulae, and mostly principles, and very little descriptions of issues, but some inability of understanding the comprehensive questions could lead us to making errors, but if the efforts of wanting to solve problems, you will LEARN and you will learn well!!
Be wise, to all extemists, either form BM, Chinese, English, …..
Please appreciate that all KNOWLEDGE could be good and well provided you have the RIGHT attitudes.
So, why bother if OTK or WKS had wanted to speak thier minds, more important is about their conscience to ensure JUSTICE will prevail, and no matter whatever strategies could be deployed, NON Malays will excel and Malays with RIGHT attitudes will also succeed!!
Got the point??
Be WISE!!!!
#19 by chengho on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 6:13 pm
AAB always dreaming ,he shouldn’t touch this subject again ,peoples are looking for Najib direction . English not an issue for any student from the early age. Children can absorb any language being very young they have advantage unlike the old guys and the parent .
English is the way to go , the Gov must be firmed to any bigots.
#20 by grace on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 6:23 pm
I feel many are not really aware of the situation in rural area where parents have to toil from mourn till evening to eke out a meagre living for the families. Their daily living is totally different from those town folks whereby they have maids to do household chores while the parents just spend their time coaching theirkids in study.
The children are literaly immersed in books and magazines.
While the rural kids would spend most of the time aimlessly.
At a tender age, most town kids can already read at least ABC or count from one to hundred.
By the time they go to school theycan at least read books in English and have decent command the language.
Many of the rural kids do not know whatis English Language let alone understand it.
Put in this situation, can the rural kids understand the concept of Maths and Science if taught in English??? Tell me.
Any intelligent kid would be discouraged learning those two subjects . Would you like to loose talents in this way??
My believe is that English is the most important language. But it must not be taught thru’ teaching those two subjuects.
If the Ministry of Education is serious in encouraging learningof English, increase the number of English teaching periods.
2. Reemploy many of those retitred English Language teachers who were educated and trained in English rather than relyng on lap tops.
3. Teach Science and maths in English only in secondary school. By then, the pupils should have a fair command of English and understanding of Science and maths. All they have to learn up new termilnology of science and maths.
#21 by limkamput on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 6:45 pm
Godfather, i don’t understand what you meant, so can elaborate a bit what is “delay no more”?
No.2 is really keeping very quiet, too quiet in fact. Just a few more weeks, wonder it is the uneasy calm before the big storm.
#22 by monsterball on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 6:51 pm
Yes UMNO keep playing race and religion…making Malays contented so much so advancements by mastering the English language to be a real developed recognized country….always twisted by politics…never for real interest for young Malaysians…to improve…to be at par with others.
UMNO love to bring Malays backward…when they are going forward..as forward looking Malays..are voting against UMNO.
#23 by badak on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 6:54 pm
I agree 100 % that science and maths must be taught in the language the student is confertable with. It is stupid to thing that by teaching this 2 subjects in english students will be good in english.
Maths,science and english are tree diferent subject.Maths is all about number and scine is all about fomular.If my anwers is rite but my gramer and speling is wrong,will i fail my peper.
#24 by Godfather on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 7:35 pm
Jeez, Limkamput, if you pronounce those words in a quick Cantonese slang, then you should know what I mean.
No. 2 is busy ensuring that nothing untoward happens at the UMNO general assembly. He still has to contend against the diehard supporters of Badawi and Tengku Razaleigh, and they may yet embarrass him.
#25 by isahbiazhar on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 8:20 pm
It looks like Abdullah is not in control of the cabinet.He should have decided with all the available facts.He cannot wait for the minister of education to decide.I think he wants to pass the sensitive issue to Najib.We will wait.
#26 by Godfather on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 8:21 pm
Jeez, Limkamput, if you pronounce those words in a quick Cantonese slang, then you should know what I mean.
#27 by Godfather on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 8:44 pm
That’s what MCA is trying to tell Bodohwi – Delay No More…
#28 by Loh on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 9:02 pm
Sorry off topic
///The 145km ‘highway’, built by a company in which the Perak sultan’s daughter has a stake, was only intended to be a gravel road when conceptualised, says the works minister./// —Malaysiakini
That highway to Tawau was said to have cost 563 million ringgit.
At 3.93 million ringgit a KM, was it a high price to pay for gravel road?
When highways in Peninsualr Malaysia and Sarawak are complete with sealed surface, why should Sabahans be penalized to be provided with only gravel road? Was the project financed by the Sabah State government or the federal government? If it was the latter did it go through the Cabinet? Was it only the decision of the Work Minister, Samy Vellu?
What good is a gravel road to motor vehicles, and how many days would it take to cover the 143 KM on gravel road. Why plan a 143 KM highway as gravel road when it would only be useful for bullock carts? Why bother building the road when ordinary cars would not travel on it?
Can the truth be that the planned highway was not delivered according to contract, but the government has now chosen to ‘eat the dead cat’? If so, that shows the arrogance of the BN government, and the incoming PM.
#29 by Godfather on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 9:02 pm
And the MCA knows, just like the rest of us, that Bolehland’s nightmare is about to begin with the ascendancy of the new UMNO president.
#30 by alaneth on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 9:14 pm
MCA should wise up & join Pakatan. I see this is not impossible in the future where the arrogant leading party will lose support internally & MCA, MIC, Gerakan, PBS & the smaller component parties will abandon UMNO & either join PR or form a new coalition.
#31 by monsterball on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 10:00 pm
‘Delay No More”…..fai fai chow…also mean….Why must I be a translator?
#32 by monsterball on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 10:03 pm
‘Delay No More”…..fai fai chow…also mean….F..k off.
Why must I be a translator?
#33 by monsterball on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 10:09 pm
oooppppp! I thought fist one…not approved!
Also mean…fai fai lan hoi..meem hoe chor chee ah sook.
Godfather…please do not write like the Riddler la.
Everyone loves Jim Carey…but non can copy his acting art.
#34 by Godfather on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 10:13 pm
OK, OK, this was started in Hong Kong, where curses in Cantonese are often very colourful. If you pronounce the English words in a quick Cantonese accent, you will find that it refers to someone’s old mother.
#35 by Godfather on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 10:15 pm
The Hokkien equivalent would be “Curry Lembu”. Need anymore explanation ?
#36 by Yee Siew Wah on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 10:27 pm
Again that sleepy, flipflop, lame duck guy still think SO HIGHLY of himself. Whatever he speak and do will not hold water anymore. Anyway cannot blame him la, this guy is still in slumber all this while. How amazing, as a PM he did not know that the cabinet has made the decision to use English in 2002.
MCA is already history since 0803. What are they doing all these years on this issue?? Why only now they opened their big fat mouth?? Let me remind them. They are just a bunch of ‘TOOTHLESS TIGERS” with voices like canons. Very very loud, but not accurate.
Its a fact.
#37 by monsterball on Monday, 9 March 2009 - 11:06 pm
Now….I am as confused as professor Limkamput.
“Curry Lembu”…..”Curry Mutton”…real nice. Just had it for dinner at Sri Devi..with capati.
Someone’s old mother?
I give up!!
Godfather is a better Riddler than Jim Carey…in “Batman Forever” movie.. …Bravo!!
Next please.
#38 by pinkdolphin on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 - 4:20 am
Godfather, that was funny :) cheers!
#39 by Toyol on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 - 9:44 am
Teaching Maths and Science is Malay is like taking us back 50 years! Its not a question of improving our English. The language cannot be improved by the teaching of these conceptual subjects.
These 2 subjects are just the basis of higher learning if we want to go further. If we can’t master these 2 subjects in English, we cannot hope to compete in the global economy.
#40 by Bigjoe on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 - 9:53 am
You wonder what is going on with Badawi. On Perak, his suggested actions were all wrong and ignored, then he got crazy by pushing a bridge to Labuan that will never be paid back, now he is being told to buzz off.
No one is listening to him for sure but it seems he is desperate to appear that is not the case. The man look like someone lost in wilderness already and afraid people will find out – as if people are not expecting it already..
Why is he so desperate to appear he is not lame duck and being ignored? Is the insecurity of the man in the end greater than his personal beliefs about right and wrong? Has he given up on pushing his mind or he never really knew what he was doing. Perhaps that is the greatest fear of old men I guess to be found out that you are a fraud in the end – reduces your entire life to meaningless… In other words, the man is uncertain of his legacy and afraid it could be very very bad….
#41 by katdog on Tuesday, 10 March 2009 - 10:59 pm
I notice some people tend to misunderstand the purpose and use of teaching science and maths in English. Some incorrectly believe that it is to improve the pupils proficiency in English. Which is wrong as the the real purpose is to better equip the children for the future in areas of science.
There is a very large scientific and research community in the world that communicates in English. However, the scientific community communicating in Malay is insignificant and practically nonexistent. For our children to be successful when they grow up especially in the areas of science and maths, it is ESSENTIAL that they be able to communicate in English. How can one become truly successful in the scientific community if one cannot read and understand the latest research and development?
The teaching of science and maths in English is in principle, the correct thing to do. Children adapt and learn faster when they are young. Starting them young is always better than starting them later.
I observe that the real problem is not the children. They are smart they adapt and they learn (unless we the adults look down so poorly on the capabilities of our own children). The problem are the teachers. The people making the most noise are not the children but the teachers.
These teachers are incapable of communicating and teaching in English. Many of them even after SIX years have still not been able to learn to communicate and teach effectively in English. This is a sign of how poor our educators are. They are supposed to teach our young, but they themselves are incapable of learning new things.
So are all these people complaining about the use of English looking out for the needs of our children or only for themselves?
#42 by undergrad2 on Wednesday, 11 March 2009 - 3:32 am
“Wow, it is indeed a sight to see – a MCA Minister and Deputy Minister publicly telling the lame-duck Prime Minister …”
I would like to register my protest on behalf of the real lame duck.
#43 by flyer168 on Thursday, 12 March 2009 - 7:17 am
Dear YB LKS,
Let us ALL look back & LEARN from our early history of this great nation & our forefather’s struggles…
The British educated & trained Intellectuals, Professionals, Economists, etc (Oxford, Cambridge, etc).
– In 1957 FINALLY gained our Independence from the “Colonial British Rule” through the citizen’s “concerted” struggle & the Leadership of our Bapa Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra & his Malaysian cabinet of TRUE TUANS managing the system of Wesminster style Democracy & with the Rule of Law in 1957,
That was the old UMNO (led by Tunku), MCA (lead by Tun Tan Cheng Lock) & MIC (lead by Tun Sambanthan) under the banner of the “Alliance” government.
Is not that the “Better & Smarter” choice by the Leadership of our Bapa Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra & his Malaysian cabinet of TRUE TUANS managing the system of Wesminster style Democracy & with the Rule of Law in 1957….
Through Political negotiations & POLITICAL SOLUTIONS leading to a “Bloodless” handover & the Independence of Malaya!
It proves a point that Educated, Intelligent, Smart & Wise leaders do not have to resort to Threats, Militancy & unnecessary Battles with collateral damage & bloodshed to the citizens!
I was there at the Dataran Merdeka to witness the occassion on 31st August 1957 – the joy, tears & jubilation of Tunku, his cabinet & every Malay, Chinese, Indian, etc citizen of Malaya !
So let us ALL accept the fact that our forefathers suffered but persevered & did not give up the struggle for Independence….until it was achieved !
Let us ALL also learn that Tunku & his Malaysian cabinet of TRUE TUANS, EARNED the RESPECT, TRUST & SUPPORT of ALL the Malayan citizens.
It was in 1969 our Bapa Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra & his Malaysian cabinet of TRUE TUANS managing the system of Wesminster style Democracy & with the Rule of Law, was “Betrayed” with the
“13th May 1969 BLOODY coup d’état” by the “Elite UMNO Ketuanan BEGGARS”….Tun Razak & his group…
– some of those are still “Alive, Kicking & Mentoring ALL the New Ketuanan Beggar Wannabes.”
– This great nation, its assets, its Original EDUCATION SYSTEM & its Anak Bangsa Malaysia have been abused for the last 40 years by these “Moronic Idiots & their Goons” through “Gutter Politics” & the “Law of the Jungle”.
– Divine Intervention Works Wonders & What goes round will come round to “Haunt” UMNO/BN baru.
– Why is the UMNO/BN Government “Bodoh Sombong” still trying to “Reinvent ANOTHER OF MANY, MANY FAILED EDUCATION SYSTEM WHEELS” (Back to Square One!)…..
– When our EDUCATION SYSTEM “BASIC WHEEL” since 1957, just needed to be “REDEFINED and REFINED”?
– If we just “Swallow our False Pride, be Honest & Sincere”, the “Whole Nation and the World” will be with us to HELP out!
– We only have to “Look, Acknowledge, Ask and Learn” from our neighbour down South – their TESTED, TRIED and PROVEN Original EDUCATION SYSTEM solutions which have “ENDURED THE TEST OF TIME” – DYNAMIC, RESILIENT SUCCESSFUL for more than 50 years !
– Our Ketuanan UMNO/BN Government’s ego from 1969 to “Destroy” the TESTED, TRIED and PROVEN Original EDUCATION SYSTEM solutions which have “ENDURED THE TEST OF TIME” – DYNAMIC, RESILIENT & SUCCESSFUL for more than 50 years with their Malaysia Boleh version have FAILED & FAILED & FAILED for 40 years!
– So 40 years later, after WASTING Billions of Tax ringgit, they FINALLY learnt that their MEDIOCRE Malaysia Boleh version….
– Their MEDIOCRE Malaysia Boleh version has NOT BEEN & is “NOT RECOGNISED INTERNATIONALLY”….
– Therefore, Ketuanan UMNO/BN Government HAVE NO CHOICE but have to revert back to the “Original”…..
– Ofcourse their UMNO/BN “Ketuanan” supporters including the Opposition PR “Ketuanan” supporters nationwide feel “CHEATED & PROTESTED”….
– So The Ketuanan UMNO/BN Government’s Reversion Plan Backfired & a SLAP in UMNO’S/BN’s face !!!
I am not surprised UMNO/BN Ketuanan Leaders are INVOLVED in PROMOTING the most recent Protest & UMNO/BN “Ketuanan” supporters who took part with the PR supporters also got “Water-cannoned, Tear gassed & arrested” by the Police & FRU !
What I call “COLLATERAL DAMAGE” to their own “UMNO/BN Ketuanan” supporters.
As such there will be a “MAJOR Revolt” of their own UMNO/BN Ketuanan downstream Leaders & supporters against their UMNO/BN Ketuanan PM, DPM, etc at the coming Assembly !
How come the initial report claimed 124 protesters were arrested but later said that they were released except 9 (PAS & PKR ?)
What about those released….”COLLATERAL DAMAGE”?….(INSTRUCED & PAID UMNO/BN Ketuanan downstream Leaders & supporters?)
I say it again….
What goes round will come round to “Haunt” UMNO/BN Ketuanan Leaders
The Ketuanan UMNO/BN Government’s Reversion Plan Backfired & a SLAP in UMNO’S/BN’s face !!!
Divine Intervention Works Wonders to accelerate their “Self Destruct Implosion.”
#44 by flyer168 on Thursday, 12 March 2009 - 7:32 am
Dear YB LKS,
“Wow! MCA Minister and Deputy Minister publicly telling the “lame-duck” PM and UMNO President to buzz off!”
Don’t be surprised if they end up like Syed Al Blur all these while, too busy polishing PM’s “Orbs “& not accommodating DPM….
Only to NOW find that his “Taiko” has to step down & “New Taiko” has him by the “Orbs” to do DPM’s biddings….or else…
– The 8th March 2008 elections offered us an “Alternative” to the UMNO/BN Autocratic Government.
– BUT PM & Finance Minister/PM wannabe & their “Mercenery Slaves” are still…
– “Quarreling with PR & Anak Bangsa Malaysia with POLITICS JAGUH KAMPONG ala KINDERGARTEN style & still playing with MARBLES” when all the other nation’s PM & FM are playing “CHESS on the Global Financial Chessboard….”
– Just how can you run this nation “Safely” (like any Decent Honourable father would do for his family) when you have so many Closet Skeletons to face at the coming UMNO Assembly Elections on 28th Mar, Nomination for the 3 bye-elections on 29th Mar, then the Elections on 7th April, etc, etc
– Didn’t you notice why Pak Lah finally “agreed” to step down on 31st Mar…???.
– That was planned & hatched by KJ & his 4th Floor schemers….
– For the Takeover on April Fool’s Day….yes, it was a Joke the Desperate Wannabe did not even notice!
– Our Constitution’s clause on the position of “the nation’s PM need not be the Party President”…
– It is also silent on DPM ’s position, etc, etc….the PM & His Cabinet….
– Why is PM NOW meeting & having lunch with DSAI?
– In Bolehland’s Politics….there are so MANY POSSIBILITIES….
– You go figure out guys…
– May God bless and protect this nation and its rakyat.