By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 17: The use of English in teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in Sarawak will be among the key issues tabled at the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) technical committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said Sarawak has made clear its demand for greater autonomy in education, including flexibility to use English as a medium of instruction in specific fields.
“One of the challenges lies in national policies, particularly language policy. This is one of the matters that we will deliberate on, to find a way to accommodate Sarawak’s request to use English in STEM subjects.
“Hopefully, a decision will be made tomorrow,” he told reporters in a doorstep interview after attending a function in Kuching today. An audio recording of the interview was later shared to DayakDaily.
He explained that the main obstacle comes from the need for uniformity in Malaysia’s education system.
“At the national level, the syllabus and curriculum are structured to ensure consistency throughout the country. If one state diverges, that uniformity may be disrupted.
“Perhaps one way forward is to maintain the national syllabus, but allow certain additions,” he said.
Apart from education, the meeting will also address healthcare matters, including Sarawak’s request for a Cancer Centre. – DayakDaily
