PUTRAJAYA: The Prime Minister has called on the Education Ministry to promptly implement initiatives to enhance English proficiency among students.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged that the planning within the Education Reform decided by the government must not take too long, reported Sinar Harian.
"If a decision is made in 2023, planned in 2024, decided in 2025, with a pilot test in 2026, initial stages in 2027, and full implementation in 2028, the planning should not be prolonged," he said on Wednesday (Feb 12) at the at the Finance Ministry's monthly assembly.
He acknowledged the complexities and bureaucracy involved in policy implementation due to the intricacies of the system.
"If the launch is in 2023, implementation should be in 2024, and by 2025, it should be expanded nationwide," he stated.
He warned that such lengthy planning would cause the education system to lag behind.
"I do not deny the complexities due to the system's intricacies and teacher training, but if we follow old methods, we will fall behind. That is the issue," Anwar stated.
He stressed the need for a shift in English proficiency among students, as previously agreed.
"Among the points I emphasised, besides strengthening Malay proficiency, is ensuring robust English proficiency as a second language among students, especially at the secondary level," he said.
Anwar urged the formation of a team to think and act swiftly towards realising this goal.
"We must choose how to implement quickly. If not implemented swiftly, we will lose," he clarified.
On June 8 last year, Anwar reiterated that the government has never wavered from elevating the status of Bahasa Melayu, even while wanting Malaysians to master English.
He stated that mastering English does not mean the importance of Bahasa Melayu as the official language should be neglected.
Additionally, the government plans to bring in English teaching volunteers from Singapore to help improve English proficiency in rural areas.
