It is good to know that the Dual Language Programme (DLP) is being implemented in schools that have the necessary resources.
But we have to accept the fact that English teachers today may not be as proficient in the language as compared to their predecessors who taught in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Teachers of that period spoke the Queen’s English.
We have lost the opportunity with the last few generations and now it would be a monumental task for us to ensure mastery of the language in schools.
We have to go back to basics, that is, bringing back English medium schools as an option for parents. Let parents choose whether to send their children to English or Bahasa Malaysia medium schools.
We have to press the reset button and undo the policies that did not work. Start from Year One.
Take baby steps and then assess the situation as we work to remedy the poor proficiency in learning institutions.
The standard of English has been on the downslide for over 50 years.
It would take just as long to arrest the rot and to regain the high standard of English that we were once very proud of. This is the sad reality we must now face.
THIAGAN MATHIAPARANAM
Klang
