An online petition has been launched by MCA Youth on Monday (Dec 18) to maintain the existing guidelines of the Dual Language Programme (DLP), bringing the programme back into the spotlight.
MCA Youth secretary-general, Saw Yee Fung, expressed concern over the unofficial announcement of new DLP guidelines, stating that it has caused confusion among those affected by the sudden change.
Yee Fung pointed out the inconsistencies in the sequence of events surrounding the DLP, noting that the lack of clear and definitive guidance from the ministry has contributed to the confusion.
She mentioned that the current guidelines set by the Education Ministry require schools offering DLP to fulfill specific criteria, such as having sufficient resources, sustainable plans by school heads, parental consent, and meeting the minimum Bahasa Malaysia requirement.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek previously stated on Nov 28 that there were no changes to the DLP guidelines and requirements, but added that all schools are required to have at least one non-DLP class in the next year.
G25 Malaysia executive secretary Jasmine Zulkifli also expressed confusion over the new DLP guidelines, particularly the requirement for non-DLP classes in all schools, as it was not clearly justified.
The DLP, which was introduced in Budget 2016, aims to enhance students’ English proficiency in the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics, as well as to improve their global competitiveness and employability.
The programme was part of the Upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening the English Language (MBMMBI) policy.
As of Nov 27, there were a total of 2,240 DLP schools in the country, consisting of 1,613 primary and 807 secondary schools.
