English: Mission schools the hope

Published on: Sunday, December 03, 2017

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By Moey Yoke Lai
MISSION schools have a rich history of English-medium education and “played an important role in creating an English speaking elite which had an abiding influence on the shape of Malaysia’s national life”.

With a history of 150 years or more, most Mission schools that were set up taught in English and the products of Mission schools became government servants, professionals, captains of business and industry.

The nationalisation of education changed circumstances which sadly led to a deterioration of the English language used in Malaysia.

The Malayan Christian Schools’ Council has been calling for English to be the medium of instruction for decades; not in all schools but in selected schools.

In recent years, the Federation of Councils of Christian Mission Schools of Malaysia (FCCMSM) has done likewise.

Given their legacy and heritage of equity, diversity, inclusiveness and wholesome education for all, Mission schools offer themselves to be models of English-medium schools that can provide education for nation building, into the future and for all people.

A level of autonomy must be given back to the schools. FCCMSM can even provide training in the language to upskill teachers and trainers.

We do not have to look for expensive trainers and materials overseas. We have the resources here.

Moey Yoke Lai

Chairman

Federation of Councils of

Christian Mission Schools of Malaysia