MALAYSIAN students learn English from Year 1 in primary school, but sadly too many still cannot speak the language upon leaving secondary school. Listening to fresh school leavers and university graduates speak English during an interview leaves one to question the quality of the system and instructions in the classrooms.
Perhaps it is time to look at the system. Almost all lessons are designed to help students pass written exams, which measure writing and grammar more than conversation. The former is of course important but will not help the students to be fluent in the language.