Closing the DLP Page: Is it the End?

PETALING JAYA: The Dual Language Programme (DLP) in some top national schools is being gradually reduced, raising concerns about its potential elimination, according to stakeholders.

The principals of these schools have compelled the introduction of non-DLP classes and the transfer of students against the wishes of parents, says Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia (PAGE).

ALSO READ: Parents claim insufficient DLP classes available

Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, the chairman of PAGE, alleges that there seems to be a deliberate effort to gradually diminish the DLP.

In a letter exclusively sent to The Star, she explained, “We understand that fully residential schools under the Education Ministry may face a similar fate, except for the premier institutions like Malay College Kuala Kangsar and Tunku Kurshiah College.”

Noor Azimah mentioned that the 70 Mara junior science colleges (MRSM), which fall under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, have already eliminated DLP for Form One.

Parents seeking DLP for their children are facing obstacles with principals and school leaders obstructing them from seeking external assistance, according to Noor Azimah.

ALSO READ: Confusion and complexity surrounding the DLP policy

Noor Azimah added that the Education Act 1996 explicitly states that “pupils are to be educated in accordance with the wishes of their parents.”

She believes that increasing the number of DLP classes would make national schools the preferred choice for parents.

“Incidentally, Sarawak has embraced the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI) and full-on DLP. Sarawak is now a success story for PPSMI and DLP,” she said.

“While Sarawak is progressing, schools in the peninsula are still embroiled in language conflicts. Bahasa Malaysia is undoubtedly the national language, its sovereignty enshrined in the Federal Constitution. Each Malaysian has a role and responsibility to uphold the importance of BM,” she emphasized.

She also highlighted the need for English to prepare students for high-value jobs that will come with the entry of Tesla, SpaceX, and the National Energy Transition Roadmap into Malaysia.

Recognizing the significance of the DLP, the group has called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to intervene and provide full support. They urge the removal of the BM requirement, which limits the number of schools that can choose DLP.

Notably, PAGE played a significant role in the development of DLP after the discontinuation of PPSMI in 2013.

According to a source from a district education office, the decision to introduce at least one non-DLP class in DLP schools was made to accommodate students who live near these schools but struggle with Science and Mathematics in English.

The source further explained that the move was intended to increase the contact hours for Bahasa Melayu, to help students better prepare for the Bahasa Melayu paper in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia exams.

The president of the Association of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Mohamed Yunus Mohamed Yasin, emphasized that parents have the right to choose the best language of instruction for their child.

“Use the language in which students can learn better. If it is English, use English, and if it is BM, use BM,” he suggested.

In May, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek informed Sunday Star that the ministry lacks sufficient teachers to teach Mathematics and Science in English.

However, she clarified that the main issue lies in schools not meeting the requirements for the implementation of DLP.

DLP was introduced as part of the Upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening the English Language (MBMMBI) policy, aimed at enhancing English proficiency and global competitiveness of students through the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics.

Currently, there are 1,613 primary and 753 secondary DLP schools nationwide.

Fadhlina emphasized that DLP is not a curriculum or policy, and expanding it should not be a focal point. She highlighted other initiatives such as the Highly Immersive Programme (HIP), Remedial Instruction Programme (RI), and the English Language Skills Enhancement Programme in Schools (PPKBIS) to enhance language proficiency.

HIP has already been implemented in all 10,000 primary and secondary schools, along with Institutes of Teacher Education and other post-secondary institutions under the ministry.

The Star has contacted the Education Ministry for comments.