Improve education level and safeguard [Malay] language

[Harold F. Schiffman]

>>From The Star (Malaysia) Online

Monday March 28, 2005
Improve education level and safeguard language

KUALA LUMPUR: The Second Malay Education Congress adopted six main
resolutions to improve the education level of all Malays in the country
and safeguard Bahasa Melayu.

The two-day congress, organised by the Federation of Malay Education and
Development Organisations (PBPPM), called on the Government to have a
national policy on lifelong learning and provide adequate funds and
facilities for its implementation.

It also called on the Education Ministry introduce a flexible education
system in all aspects, including the reintroduction of express and
remedial classes and promote creativity in teaching methods.

The congress urged the ministry to maintain the use of Bahasa Melayu as
the main medium in the national education policy, while implementing
strategies for students to master English and other languages.

It called on the Government to safeguard the usage of Bahasa Melayu in the
public sector, mass media com-merce, economy, science and technology, and
tourism.

The congress also urged the Govern-ment to build more libraries and bridge
the digital divide during the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

It also formulated a resolution for Malay education organisations and
Parent Teacher associations to play a more active role on issues
concerning the language and education, and urged the media to increase
coverage on such issues.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2005/3/28/nation/10531236&sec=nation