MATHS, SCIENCE: MUHYIDDIN NOT SATISFIED WITH FINDINGS

KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin
said he was still not satisfied with the findings of studies carried out,
including the round-table session on the policy of teaching Science and
Mathematics in English.

The education minister said the government was prepared to wait a little
longer because whatever decision it made on the issue was critical.

"We don't want to be seen to flip-flop on this matter. We have to look at a
lot of feedback. But looking at researches conducted by a number of independent
bodies, the outcome is not similar with the round-table discussion that we had.

"Sometimes during round-table discussions, people don't have facts and
evidence. They speak (based) on what they feel. They must be substantiated with
a lot of facts and evidence, whether there is a need for change or not," he said
here Monday.

He said the ministry would eventually bring the final findings to the
Cabinet before making a statement on the issue.

Muhyiddin said he welcomed views from any quarter on the issue and would
accept constructive views.

"Many quarters have given their views. Some have agreed while others have
not. But the important thing is, in our efforts to promote the National
Language, we should also give emphasis to English for the sake of our children's
future," he added.

He said, any decision on the matter would be based on indepth studies.

On a proposal to review the Internal Security Act, Muhyiddin said it would
be done as what Prime Minister Najib Razak had announced in his maiden speech to
the public.

He said the matter would need to take more time for consultations with
vested groups, civil society and political parties.

"This is not only the concern of the government but also Malaysians, at
large, who want to know the outcome," he said.

However, Muhyiddin did not want to elaborate as it was too premature.
-- BERNAMA