Malaysia
‘Singaporeans not that fluent in English,’ M’sia MP proposes retired teachers for rural education
During a Malaysian Parliamentary sitting on 16 July, Jimmy Puah, a backbencher from the ruling coalition Pakatan Harapan, urged the education ministry to get retired English teachers to teach in rural areas, in addition to volunteers from Singapore. He said he does not consider Singaporeans very fluent in English, urging the government not to overlook capable Malaysians.
MALAYSIA: During a Malaysian Parliamentary sitting on 16 July, Jimmy Puah, a backbencher from the ruling coalition Pakatan Harapan (PH), advocated for the Malaysian Education Ministry to enlist retired English teachers for rural English education, alongside Singaporean volunteers.
He expressed scepticism about the fluency of Singaporeans in English, asserting that many Malaysians are more proficient in the language.
Mr Puah, Member of Parliament (MP) for Tebrau, commented in response to a statement regarding Malaysia’s discussions with Singapore to enlist volunteers to teach English in poor urban and rural areas in Malaysia.
“Personally, I don’t think Singaporeans are that fluent in English. I believe there are many Malaysians who are equally fluent,” he remarked.
“Has the government tried to engage or seek out individuals in Malaysia who are more proficient in English?”
MP Puah suggested that Malaysia prioritize Malaysians fluent in English, such as retired teachers, before considering Singaporean volunteers.
“Since they are currently idle with no job, why not engage them to teach English? Singaporean volunteers are welcome, but let’s not forget Malaysians.”
In response to MP Puah’s comments, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek affirmed the ministry’s openness to collaboration with retired English teachers.
“If Singaporean volunteers wish to come, we encourage it. Similarly, If retired teachers want to serve with us, we also welcome them. No problem at all, ” she stated.
Ms Fadhlina highlighted the positive impact of retired teachers on enhancing English proficiency in schools through mentorship programs.
She reassured that the ministry would rigorously vet volunteers from Singapore to ensure high-quality teaching standards upon their arrival in Malaysia.
Fadhlina emphasized that welcoming international educators, including those from countries like Australia, America, and South Korea, is not a new initiative.
Last month, Recently, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim discussed with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong the potential for Singaporean volunteers to teach English and other subjects in Malaysia’s rural areas, with Singapore fully funding the initiative.
Anwar said the cost would be fully borne by Singapore.
Former minister Rafidah Aziz echoed Puah’s sentiments, suggesting that Putrajaya should consider hiring retired English teachers and revising school syllabi and teacher training.
According to the 2023 Education First English Proficiency Index, Malaysia ranks 25th globally, while Singapore is second among 113 countries.
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The argument that is ” INSIDE IS NOT WITHIN “.
How about that for PAP English starters ?
For starters, … Singlish is an abomination of the English language itself !!! Add to that the incorporation of “IndianEnglish” like the all time favourite that’s still practised with pride today, … ie “revert” is apparently another word for reply or response !!! !!! On top of all thee above, add the sound bites of lah, leh, lor and whatever oodles out of one’s lips, … complimenting the pride of SillyPore, … Singlish !!! Might as well recommend Singlish to be UNESCO recognised, … which’ll complete the destruction and denigration of the English language altogether !!! To end, … Singlish… Read more »
Yes ,
I not fluent in English
I not Banana
Pappies English good but in terms of …..
CLOWN
Those fluent in english also Pte Ltd .
During Old Goh times, he promulgated Good English Speaking, and he introduced the book, Complete Plain Words written by Ernst Gowers. Guess this is the WITHIN PAP DIVISIONS, DISUNITY unpublicised to IGNORANT sheeps BUT has a FAKE UNITY among themselves.
So looks like the “Speak Good English” campaign didn’t make much impact on SGs.
“Last month, Recently, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim discussed with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong the potential for Singaporean volunteers to teach English and other subjects in Malaysia’s rural areas, with Singapore fully funding the initiative. Anwar said the cost would be fully borne by Singapore”. Comment: what is striking is the generosity of our newly minted PM. If only he can be more concerned about Singaporeans first. And in another report it seems Malaysia wants to review all water agreements. The question is, will LW also extend his benevolence during negotiation or re-negotiation of the water agreements? I am pretty… Read more »
Agree…sinjaporens are more comfortable in the Singlish…
But we can speak the proper england when needed..
Our england very powderful oso…hahaha🤣
Funny is teacher the only one retiring?!? Other civil service not retiring?!? I wonder why the focal point of retired teachers?!?
Did they do a survey whether these teacher wanna volunteer?!?
What is the quantity that indicated interest?!?
Yes I agree without prejudice, the standard of English language spoken, written, understanding is not that of a level meeting acceptable Queens English standards. Sure there are pple tend to justify and give valid reasons to relate to why so, like say conversing to a server need not speak in impeccable English. And then there are pple who support the ‘queerness’ of Singlish. But the point here made by the Msians is to enable their students to be proficient, some SG teachers just do not have the imparting skills. And as mentioned below post, get the older generation. This is… Read more »
Let’s be frank. The quality of spoken English in Singapore has been on a downward trend ever since the ruling government gave up on the “Speak Good English” campaign and then decided to pivot to elevating “Singlish” as part of the “Singaporean identity.”
So yes, I do agree with his sentiment. If they do want Singaporean volunteers get those from the educated older generations.