In-depth study on new teaching-learning system, English usage in schools

KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry is carrying out an in-depth study to upgrade the 'teaching and learning' system in schools, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the new system involving the usage of Information Technology (IT), where the teaching process would be recorded by teachers, would be beneficial for students at all schools.

"(The study) also takes into consideration teaching and learning in English as it is a global language," he said in reply to a question by Ahmad Fahmi Mohamed Fadzil (Pakatan Harapan-Lembah Pantai) on whether there were plans to reintroduce the Teaching and Learning of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI).

Dr Mahathir said PPSMI was replaced with 'Upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening Command of English' (MBMMBI) in 2010 to improve English proficiency among students as the international language of communication and knowledge.

"Science is developing all the time and many pieces of research are in non-Malay languages. Thus, proficiency in other languages, where various researches are conducted, is important as we will be able to gain new knowledge.

"If we want their knowledge, we must learn their languages, rather than wait for people to translate the knowledge (including researches). (For example), IT and artificial intelligence (AI) were not around when I was studying.

" Our national pride will compel us to remain (as it is), but if we have no knowledge, then our nation and language will not prosper," said Dr Mahathir.