Schools not forced to adopt Dual Language Programme - Kamalanathan

Schools are not forced to adopt the Dual Language Programme but only carried out in schools that fulfilled the criteria, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy Education Minister Datuk P. Kamalanathan said the programme to enhance Bahasa Malaysia and the English language will only be implemented in schools that applied for the programme.

"DLP will only be offered to schools that meet three criteria - proper resources, teachers who can teach in English and Bahasa Malay-sia, and parents who are supportive of the programme.

"No school will be forced to adopt the programme as feared by some," said Kamalanathan when answering Siti Mariah Mahmud (PAS-Kota Raja) who wanted the ministry to explain in detail about the DLP programme.

Kamalanathan said the Education Ministry was always monitoring the progress of the DLP programme in schools and are ready to accept views and recommendations from various parties.

He said the programme had thus far been able to improve the command of Bahasa Malaysia and English among students.

Under DLP, schools will be given the option to teach Science, Mathe-matics, In--for-mation Technology and Commu-nication, and Design and Technology in English or Bahasa Malaysia.

The programme is part of the Government's ongoing efforts to uphold Bahasa Malaysia while strengthening the usage of the English Language.