KOTA KINABALU: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Vice President David Ong has urged the Ministry of Education to reconsider its plan to reduce Chinese-language teaching periods under the 2027 school curriculum.
Ong said the ministry should maintain the current 12 periods per week for Years One to Three and 10 periods for Years Four to Six in Chinese primary schools (SJKC).
“We support efforts to improve our education system, but we must ask a simple question: How will reducing Chinese-language lessons benefit our children?” he said.
Ong questioned how teachers would be expected to complete the same syllabus with fewer teaching periods.
“If the syllabus remains the same but teaching time is reduced, teachers will have to rush through their lessons. Students may also have less time to understand what they are learning. Is this really what we want?” he asked.
He pointed out that Chinese is not just a subject in Chinese primary schools but also a language used to teach other subjects. Having a good foundation in the language is therefore important for students to understand their lessons.
Ong also noted that many non-Chinese students are now studying in Chinese primary schools, and some do not speak Mandarin at home.
“These children need more time and guidance to learn the language. Instead of reducing teaching periods, we should be helping them build a stronger foundation,” he said.
He also disagreed with the suggestion that headteachers could arrange additional Chinese-language periods if they wished.
“Some schools may have enough teachers and time to arrange extra lessons, but what about smaller schools or rural schools that are already facing difficulties?
“Why should children in one school receive more Chinese-language lessons than children in another school? Every child should have the same opportunity to learn,” he stressed.
On the introduction of character education under the new curriculum, Ong said he supported teaching children good values, discipline and responsibility.
However, he questioned why this should come at the expense of Chinese-language lessons.
“Teaching good values is important, but we can also teach children respect, honesty and responsibility through language lessons and other school activities. There is no reason why we cannot do both,” he said.
Ong further stressed that Malaysia’s ability to provide education in different languages is one of the country’s strengths.
“Learning Chinese does not mean Bahasa Melayu or English is less important. We want our children to be good in all three languages because these skills will benefit them in the future,” he added.
Ong urged the Ministry of Education to listen to the concerns of parents, teachers and Chinese education organisations before making a final decision.
“Education reform should make learning better for our children, not simply reduce teaching time.
“If the ministry believes fewer periods are enough, it should explain clearly how students will benefit and how teachers can still complete the syllabus without affecting learning quality.
“Until there is a convincing explanation, the ministry should maintain the existing Chinese-language teaching periods. Our children’s education should always come first,” Ong concluded.-pr/BNN
