Rural students will need help

NST Online » Local News
2009/06/10

KUALA TERENGGANU: Despite impressive showings in public examinations over the past five years, Terengganu-based school administrators were sceptical that students, especially those in rural areas, were ready for English to be made a compulsory passing subject at the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia level.

Terengganu has, for some years now, been the best performing state for the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan (STPM) examinations, but school administrators argued that their top scorers were usually from residential schools or schools located in major towns.

A senior school administrator said students from the East Coast, especially Terengganu and Kelantan, were the most likely to suffer should the new ruling be enforced as generally, the language was less used in school and homes compared to other parts of the country.

"It's not a level playing field for them, especially for the Malay rural students. It never has been."

SK Seberang Marang headmaster Mohd Ali said the idea was a good one but only if rural students were ready for it.
"For them to be ready, they must be provided with better facilities, such as competent teachers and more opportunities to use the language."

SK Durian Burung Parent-Teacher Association chairman Mohd Noor Ashaari expressed concern the ruling would create a bigger problem -- a sharp drop in people who qualify for entry-level government jobs.

"For example, to apply for an entry-level job with the government, such as the army or police, they need a basic SPM certificate. If students fail their English and do not get this basic certificate, how will these jobs be filled?"

Mohd Noor suggested that the ministry produce enough competent English teachers first.

In Pahang, SMK Sungai Lembing headmaster Baharudin Abdullah said the idea would be successful if rural pupils were given extra English classes.

"Our tuition programme showed positive results as it allowed our pupils, who are mostly farmers' children, the chance to converse in English," he said.

He, however, welcomed the idea of making English a compulsory pass subject as he felt it would encourage the rural pupils to strive harder.

"They can do it. They just need more attention and since they can't afford tuition, the schools will have to provide it for them."

Senoi Orang Asli parent Karim Bunyamin, 49, from Sungai Dua Orang Asli settlement in Karak, admitted to having limited English but hoped his six children will have a better chance of mastering the language.

"I worry that if English is made compulsory, they will fail and will not get the certificate. I hope the government will focus on helping Orang Asli pupils get extra attention in school," he said.

English teacher Woo Eu Suan of SMK Seri Mahkota in Kuantan said the idea might work but hoped the government would provide more incentives for English teachers sent to rural areas.