'We need a thorough reform'

In instituting reforms, we will not sacrifice the standard of Chinese in Malaysia.Chong Sin Woon, Deputy Minister of Education

FOLLOWING reports of dissatisfaction over results in the 2015 SPM Chinese subject, Sunday Star seeks the views of Deputy Education Minister Chong Sin Woon in a quick telephone interview.

How does the Education Ministry view the complaints aired by students and parents?

We take the complaints seriously. This is why I will be calling for an examination board meeting at the Education Ministry to understand and discuss the issue in detail.

We have to address the issue now as it has been ongoing for a decade, from Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong’s time. It did not just start happening one or two years ago.

(Wee was deputy Education Minister from March 2008 to May 2013. He is now Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.)

Why do you think the numbers are so disheartening?

I am very concerned with this issue as it has affected good students who want to have a set of beautiful results with all As. The number of students taking Chinese as a subject has also dropped by 5,088 in 2015.

An explanation by my officers on why more and more students shun the subject is not enough. I will want a thorough look at our curriculum and other things.

One key reason could be the curriculum we have set is too difficult.

The other reasons could be that the teaching conditions are not conducive. As this is an elective subject, it is not normally taught during school hours but after school as POL (pupils’ own language). There could also be a shortage of qualified teachers, etc. All this will affect the quality of study conditions.

I am also looking at whether the big drop in students is also due to non-Chinese giving up the subject at SPM level. We have about 15% to 20% non-Chinese students in this category, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak (where many bumiputras attend Chinese language primary schools but give up Chinese at higher levels).

Since this issue could not be resolved during Wee’s time, how confident are you about resolving it?

I will do my best. I will try my best.

I have already started enhancing study in Chinese in schools even before the SPM results were out. For example, I have given out a directive that any SMK school (national secondary school) with more than 50% Chinese students should put Chinese studies into the school timetable. This is a directive agreed to by the Education Ministry’s secretary-general for implementation.

Do you think there is a basis for allegations of sabotage by some quarters?

Not possible.

The questions set for SPM Chinese and marking are all done by Chinese officers and teachers who know the Chinese language. It’s all Chinese. Unless you say the Chinese are sabotaging the Chinese.

What is the best way to resolve this issue?

We need a real thorough reform, from our curriculum to examination board, the way we conduct lessons in school, etc.

I will also be studying findings from Chinese education-related groups such as Dong Zong, Jiao Zong, Hua Zong and Lim Lian Geok Foundation, etc. They will discuss this issue and present their findings to me.

In instituting reforms, we will not sacrifice the standard of Chinese in Malaysia.