By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 5: The Design subject will be taught in English at upper secondary level as Sarawak continues to expand the use of English for Science and Mathematics under the Dual Language Programme (DLP).
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the DLP, which currently runs up to Primary 6, will now be continued to Form 4 and Form 5 so that students can learn Science subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Additional Mathematics and Design fully in English.
“Design is a new subject. Designing is scientific because it involves Mathematics and correct measurement,” he told reporters when met after Gift of STEM Education programme at SK St Elizabeth in Siburan today. His remarks were later shared with DayakDaily in an audio recording.
Sagah explained that although students already take Reka Bentuk dan Teknologi (RBT) at primary level, the subject will now also be taught in English at secondary school under the DLP programme.
On the implementation timeline, Sagah said the first batch of students who will follow the programme at upper secondary level are those currently in Form 1.
“The first batch will be in about three years’ time. They are now in Form 1. When they reach upper secondary (Form 4 starting 2029), the DLP will be assigned in English,” he said.
He added that assessments under the DLP programme will also be used to select students for placement in Sarawak’s International Secondary Schools.
In his speech earlier, Sagah revealed that following the Design subject being included under DLP, the ministry will have to come up with the textbooks.
“The Education Department has to help us because you will handle this technicality,” he said.
At the same time, Sagah revealed that the Ministry of Education (MOE) has agreed to two key education matters raised by Sarawak under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), including the use of English for upper secondary subjects and the appointment and posting of education officers in the State.
These were among 20 demands submitted by Sarawak under MA63, of which 15 have already been resolved.
“The remaining three matters involve school infrastructure, and infrastructure requires funding. The Ministry of Education does not hold the funds, as they are under the Ministry of Finance. That is why we have asked the State Financial Secretary’s Office to negotiate on this.
“Some schools were approved, but the funds never came. We want the money to be placed in a trust account for Sarawak so that we can proceed with construction. Otherwise, nothing will happen if it is only discussed without funding,” he added. – DayakDaily
