Govt to study proposal to make Mandarin and Tamil compulsory in schools

Govt to study proposal to make Mandarin and Tamil compulsory in schools (Updated)
By TEH ENG HOCK

Published: Sunday June 13, 2010 MYT 4:24:00 PM
Updated: Sunday June 13, 2010 MYT 5:58:14 PM


KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry will study a proposal to make Mandarin and Tamil compulsory in schools.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddn Yassin said the policy for teaching people own’s language was already in existence in the Education Ministry but it was not fully implemented.

In his opening speech at the Federal Territory PPP convention at the Putra World Trade Centre here, he said it would be good for all races to know more than two languages to help foster racial unity and expand knowledge.

"The people, regardless if they are of Indian or Chinese ancestry, or other ethnic groups, can learn more than two languages.

"The national language and English are important, but other languages such as Mandarin and Tamil should also be learnt," he said.

Muhyiddin said by understanding the languages, Malaysians could appreciate the way of life, values and cultures of the country's various races better.

He added that the people could also garner more knowledge by mastering more languages.

Earlier, PPP president Datuk M. Kayveas had proposed to Muhyiddin to make Mandarin and Tamil compulsory subjects in schools.

"It is long overdue. We should make mother-tongue subjects examination subjects," Kayveas said.