Compulsory pass in English a concern for rural students - Ismail Sabri

The plan to make a pass in English compulsory at the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) level has caused concern on how the move will affect rural students, especially in terms of possible disadvantages and challenges.

Rural and Regional Development Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said in order to implement the move, Malaysia needed an education system that evolved in order for the country to be ready for the compulsory pass ruling and not have regrets.

He said the compulsory pass in English had some disadvantages for rural learners who were under-prepared because of the issues and challenging situations in the rural areas.

"The ministry is concerned about how this system will affect rural students.

I believe good teaching has to be emphasised first before we decide to go with a compulsory pass in English at the SPM level," he said, today.

His speech text was read out by the ministry's deputy secretary-general Datuk Rahim Abu Bakar at the 4th International Conference on English Language Teaching (ICELT) in Bandar Hilir, here.

Ismail Sabri said in order to improve the teaching of English for rural students, the teachers in this country should find novel and creative ways to teach the language.

He said the teachers needed to vary the use of materials in teaching to make the learners become more motivated and more engaged within the learning-teaching environment.

"We cannot deny the role that the English language plays, so it is vital that we as a nation strive to build a conducive environment which supports the learning and use of the language.

"It is just not about getting teachers to be more proficient in the language but to also be better and more creative teachers in general," he said.