Allow it to be taught in mission schools: Upko

Kota Kinabalu: Upko Deputy President Datuk Wilfred Bumburing urged the Federal Government to consider allowing Science and Mathematics to be taught in the English language in mission schools.

Bumburing, who is also Tuaran Member of Parliament, said Wednesday, since the Government allows the teaching and learning of the two subjects in Chinese and Tamil national-type schools to be carried out in their respective mother tongue, it would be a perfect if mission schools are allowed to conduct the two subjects in the English language.

"I believe many would still want the two subjects to be taught in the English language for various reasons and the Government should give the people a choice.

"Those who prefer the two subjects be taught in the Malay language, can go to national-type schools while those who prefer in the English language can go to mission schools," he said.

Bumburing said allowing the two subjects to be taught in English in mission schools would further enhance Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's IMalaysia concept.

"I have met many parents who would prefer their children to study the two subjects in the English language as they have plans to send their children overseas for further studies and they believe that having a strong foundation in the two subjects in English would assist their kids greatly.

"There is no doubt that that Bahasa Malaysia as our national language is equally important, and all of us, be it Kadazans, Malays, Chinese, Indian or any other races, should be fluent and proud to use it.

"But for our youngsters to compete globally, we also need them to be fluent in English and as such allowing the two subjects to be taught in the English language in mission schools would assist greatly towards this end," he said.

He said if the Federal Government allows the teaching of the two subjects in English in mission schools, then it should also make it compulsory for these students to pass the Bahasa Melayu subject in all examinations.

"This will ensure that these students will also learn our national language and be good in it," he said, adding that he will bring up the proposal in the next Parliament sitting.