PKR Lawmaker Claims Singaporeans Are Not That Fluent In English
Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah said Malaysia has more people who are fluent in the language.
A PKR member of parliament (MP) claimed that Singaporeans are "not that fluent in English", urging the government not to neglect local talents
Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah said this today, 16 July, in response to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek's statement in Parliament about the government's discussions with Singapore to enlist volunteers to teach English in Malaysia.
Puah welcomed the government's new initiative and acknowledged the importance of improving people's fluency in English to ensure the nation remains competitive globally.
"However, in my personal opinion, I think Singaporeans are not that fluent in English.
"In fact, I think Malaysia has many experts... many more Malaysians who are fluent in English," said the backbencher, receiving applause from fellow MPs.
He suggested the government first engage with Malaysians proficient in English, such as retired English teachers, before considering volunteers from Singapore.
"It's great that we are accepting volunteers from Singapore, but let's not forget Malaysians," Puah said.
Tebrau MP Jimmy Puah claimed Singaporeans are "not that fluent in English" in Parliament today, 16 July.
Image via Parlimen Malaysia (YouTube)
Fadhlina agreed with Puah's suggestion, adding that her ministry would look into reinstating retired English teachers
"We welcome volunteers from Singapore and we also welcome retired teachers who want to serve with us again. No problem," she said.
Fadhlina assured that her ministry would carefully vet Singaporean volunteers to ensure they meet the required standards before being accepted.
She also said similar initiatives have involved teachers from Australia, the US, and South Korea.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry would vet Singaporean volunteers before accepting them as English teachers.
Image via Parlimen Malaysia (YouTube)
The proposal to engage Singaporean volunteers came from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during discussions with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong last month
Anwar had said Singapore's fully-funded initiative aims to support Malaysia's disadvantaged students in mastering English, reported Malay Mail.
Currently, Johor and Singapore are collaborating on an educational project to develop a new curriculum, including plans for exchange programmes and teacher training.
Watch Puah's claim on Singaporeans' English proficiency in the video below at the 33:35-minute mark:
In November, a study ranked Malaysia 25th globally in English proficiency:
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