Mahdzir: Schools are not forced to implement dual language program

PUTRAJAYA: Schools are not forced to implement the dual language programme (DLP) offered by the Education Ministry, said its Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.
He said although the ministry offered the DLP to schools, they are not forced to take up the programme.
"We never forced any schools to take up the programme," he said refuting claims by anti-DLP groups stating that the ministry is forcing schools to take up DLP.
"This clearly shows that DLP is an optional for schools to consider," he said after visiting to the Putrajaya Education Department here today.
Anti-DLP coalition Mansuh DLP had claimed that the voluntary English programme will eventually be forced on every schools and planned to launch a campaign against DLP programme on Feb 15.
Mahadzir said only schools that have fulfilled several requirements, including having good achievement in Bahasa Malaysia subject, will be allowed to run the programme.
"DLP in not a policy, it is a programme... there are many people who misunderstood the programme as a policy. But it is not," he said.
"However, there are still those who are not satisfied with our explanation, claiming that schools will eventually have to run the programme.
"No one said it is a must. It is up to schools and parents whether they want to accept the programme or not," he added.
On another issue, Mahdzir said it is up to the Johor Education Department to decide the fate of the SJK (C) Pai Chee's headmaster who is alleged to have asked three Malay teachers in the school to leave.
"We will wait for the investigations to be completed before the disciplinary committee makes its decision," he added.
The headmaster concerned has been transferred to the district education office pending investigations.