KUCHING: Sarawak’s request to use English as a medium of instruction will be deliberated at the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Technical Committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow (Monday, August 18).
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the matter, raised as part of Sarawak’s push for greater education autonomy, is among the key items on the meeting’s agenda.
He said that it will also cover the state’s ongoing Dual Language Programme (DLP), which allows the teaching and learning of selected subjects in English.
“Tomorrow, I will be receiving reports during the MA63 Technical Committee meeting. MA63 will be presented tomorrow, and one of the matters is related to the field of education as demanded by Sarawak.
“Certainly, one of the challenges relates to national-level policies, language policy, and so forth.
“So, we will look at ways to facilitate Sarawak’s request to use English in teaching and learning, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-related subjects. A decision may be reached tomorrow,” he said.
He said this when met with reporters during the ‘Bicara Eksekutif MADANI’ programme at Aminuddin Baki Institute Sarawak main stage, Jalan Sultan Tengah, here today.
Fadillah also stressed that the matter however must be studied comprehensively to ensure national education uniformity is not compromised.
“This is because we have policies that ensure uniformity in syllabus, curriculum and other related matters across Malaysia.
“So if something deviates from that, uniformity might not exist. Perhaps one option is to retain the current system but add-on the use of English,” he said.
Apart from education, the meeting is also expected to discuss healthcare matters, including the establishment of the Sarawak Cancer Centre.
Earlier, Fadillah said that Sarawak’s aspiration is rooted in its Constitution, which recognises both Bahasa Malaysia and English as official languages, unlike the Federal Constitution.
“These are matters that we are currently detailing and negotiating. However, in the context of Sarawak’s request, it will not deviate from the national policy. That will remain.
“The addition being considered is to introduce more English in certain fields to ensure graduates are more proficient in the language.
“This is vital not only because English is an international language but also for us to remain competitive in the future. That is Sarawak’s hope,” he said.
