Young storytellers: Fadhlina (left) watching students perform a puppet show after launching the ‘Sekolah Pengajar’ and MBMMBI programmes at SK Sungai Bakap in Nibong Tebal. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
NIBONG TEBAL: All schools will have to comply with the Dual Language Programme (DLP) ruling without exception, including boarding schools and elite institutions, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
“All schools will have to refer to and adhere to the guidelines.
“So far, there are no issues about the implementation, and the ministry has requested that all schools strictly follow and refer to the guidelines,” she told reporters at SK Sungai Bakap here yesterday after the launch of the “Sekolah Pengajar” (Teaching School) and “Sahabat Bahasa” (Upholding Malay Language and Strengthening Command of English) (MBMMBI) programmes.
Fadhlina assured that the ministry would assist any schools facing difficulties in implementing the DLP guidelines to ensure compliance.
Responding to claims by Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim that certain elite schools were exempted from the new DLP ruling, Fadhlina refuted these assertions.
Earlier, she noted improvements in the performance of English and Malay languages in schools here but stressed the need for continuous efforts and expressed hope for the programmes’ expansion nationwide.
“We hope to see a significant commitment to ensuring the role and involvement of teaching institutes in the programmes.
“That is why the full involvement of all the stakeholders and the community is important to ensure the programmes can be implemented as best as possible,” she said.
Meanwhile, the proposal to invite Singaporean volunteers to enhance English proficiency in Malaysia has received the thumbs up from Fadhlina, who believes the initiative would provide valuable exposure to effective teaching and learning practices as well as innovative approaches for students, teachers and schools.
“Such programmes involving teacher exchanges with countries like Korea, Australia and the United States have a long history with the Education Ministry,” she said.
Fadhlina clarified that volunteer teachers from Singapore would serve in underprivileged urban, rural and remote areas, including Sabah and Sarawak, and that the expenses would be covered by the Singaporean government.She highlighted this arrangement as a testament to strong diplomatic ties with Singapore.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had previously refuted claims regarding Malaysia’s plans to hire Singaporean teachers, emphasising that the initiative is a volunteer effort aimed at fostering English proficiency and strengthening Malaysia-Singapore relations.
