PETALING JAYA: Concerted efforts must be undertaken to raise the level of English in schools, instead of just stressing that the standard has declined, said G25 coordinator Datuk Noor Farida Ariffin. "We should try our best to raise the proficiency level in this country, perhaps to an even higher level than during the pre­independence period. "Although it is noted that it is not possible to get everyone to the same level, there must be some realistic multi­level programmes av

The Prime Minister announced in his Budget speech that Malaysia agrees in principle to join the TPPA (Trans Pacific Partnership agreement). He also said the text of the trade agreement will be tabled for debate in parliament, following which, the cabinet will make the decision about signing. We can be certain that those who are opposed to it on ideological grounds will remain adamant that Malaysia should not join the TPPA, irrespective of the conclusions of the cost – benefit

KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 — Malaysia may fall behind other Asian countries if Putrajaya does not re-introduce the policy of teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects in English, a group of retired high-ranking civil servants said today. G25 pointed out that Japan’s Honda has adopted English as its official language to survive in the very competitive automotive industry, while India and the Philippines continue to teach science and mathematics in En

English Language Issue in Malaysia Revisited That English is currently THE world language is a fact that even the die-hard nationalists in the country cannot argue with. So if we aspire to be more proficient in the language we are only trying to be better citizens of the world. This desire and need to be more proficient in the English language does not lessen the need to maintain and promote the use of the national language. It is NOT a question of choosing one over the other

As issue and more issues made the headlines, will there be an implosion of all the things that Malaysia had built over the years? I AM beginning to feel as if this country and its rakyat are being crushed and pummelled by wrecking balls. The wrecking ball of race and religion, of insatiable greed, of never-­ending sense of entitlements, of unpunished crimes and abuses, of ideology over rational thinking, justice, and fair play. These concerns are nothing new. What’s new is th

JULY 25 — The recent reports in the Wall Street Journal and Sarawak Report alleging massive corruption involving the upper echelons of the political and corporate elite of Malaysia have once again raised the question of whether or not Malaysia is a kleptocracy. The term is derived from the words ‘klepto’ — (thief) and — cracy’ (rule) and refers to a government dominated by those who use their office to seek personal financial gain, power and status at the expense of the gover