‘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.
