17-7-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) A proposal to enlist Singaporean volunteers for English language instruction in Malaysia has ignited a spirited debate in the Malaysian Parliament on Tuesday, 16 July. The discussion took an unexpected turn when one politician expressed doubts about Singaporeans’ English proficiency, suggesting that retired Malaysian English teachers might be better suited for the task.
During a parliamentary question and answer session, Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah, speaking in Malay, offered a measured response to the government’s initiative. “Whilst I commend the government’s efforts to collaborate with Singapore on this volunteer teaching programme, I must express my reservations about the English fluency of potential Singaporean volunteers,” Puah remarked, his statement met with approving applause from some fellow parliamentarians.
Puah went on to highlight the wealth of local expertise, stating, “I believe we have numerous highly proficient English speakers right here in Malaysia. Has the government considered engaging our own experts, such as retired teachers, for this initiative?”
The debate was sparked by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek’s parliamentary reply regarding the proposal. Sidek informed the House that her ministry is currently evaluating the scheme’s potential implementation. “The ministry welcomes this proposal and is carefully examining how it can be integrated into our educational institutions, ensuring alignment with existing policies and regulations,” Sidek explained. She added that the ministry would also be responsible for vetting volunteers to guarantee they possess the necessary qualifications for effective teaching and learning.
This initiative was first broached last month by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim following talks with his Singaporean counterpart, Lawrence Wong, in Kuala Lumpur. During a press conference, Anwar mentioned discussing “the possibility of Singapore considering my humble submission of sending teachers to teach English or some other subjects to many regions in this country”.
However, the proposal faced immediate backlash on social media platforms, with some critics arguing it showed a lack of respect for Malaysian educators. The National Union of the Teaching Profession in Malaysia also voiced opposition, asserting that there were sufficient local teachers capable of fulfilling this role.
In response to the controversy, Anwar later clarified that his statement had been misconstrued. He emphasised that the proposal was for a volunteer scheme, fully funded by the Singaporean government, aimed at assisting disadvantaged communities in Malaysia. “The discussion with Prime Minister Wong centred on introducing a volunteer programme, financed by Singapore, to provide English instruction in urban poor areas, rural regions, and the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak,” Anwar explained.
It’s worth noting that according to the 2023 EF English Proficiency Index, which ranks countries based on English language proficiency, Singapore topped the list in Asia and placed second globally. Malaysia secured the third spot in Asia and 25th position worldwide.
