Multi-pronged strategy needed

I HAVE read with interest the recent exchanges of views in The Star on the issue of using English to teach Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). I’m referring in particular to “Teach English as a subject” (June 8) by Prof Datuk Ir Dr Wan Ramli Wan Daud who pointed out that it would be challenging for students who do not have a good command of English to learn Science in English, and that it would be easier for them to learn the subject in their mother tongue. There is no dispute here.

Dr Wan Ramli also proposed that English should continue to be taught as a subject. There’s no opposition to this as well. This is because, whether we like it or not, English has become a global language of trade, commerce, politics and even science.