Decision a long time coming

THE Education Ministry’s (MOE) recent statement that a programme for retired English language teachers to return to classrooms is already in place has been met with widespread approval. Many Malaysians have long called for this move, citing the need for more experienced and proficient English language educators in the country’s schools.

It is a well-known fact that English proficiency in Malaysia has been a longstanding issue. Despite numerous initiatives and programmes, the desired level of mastery among students has yet to be achieved. Many point to the quality of English language teaching as one reason why.