Dong Jiao Zong the collective name for the United Chinese Schools Committee (Dong Zong) and the United Chinese School Teachers Association (Jiao Zong) will publish a booklet soon to explain its stand on the move to teach Science and Mathematics in English.

When contacted, Dong Zong chief executive officer Bock Tai Hee said today that the education movement expects to complete the booklet by next week.

He added the booklet entitled 'A letter to parents' will be distributed free to those who attend the movement's ongoing nationwide talks on the issue.

Malaysiakini learnt that the booklet will be tri-lingual Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin and English. It will be presented in a question and answer format.

According to Bock, the booklet will help explain to the public their objection to the language switch.

Positive feedback

In the wake of the government's decision to teach the two subjects in English, Dong Jiao Zong has been participating in public talks nationwide, including in Sabah and Sarawak, to discuss their views.

When asked Bock said the feedback from the ground has been positive.

"Those who attended (the talks) supported Dong Jiao Zong's stand and they are also shared the same view," he said.

He added that the talks were organised by Chinese school committees in the respective states.

Asked whether the movement would participate in the roadshow organised by Barisan Alternatif parties and Tamil education groups, Bock said they will if invited.

"It is our obligation to provide information and resources, as well as to talk on the Chinese community's education situation to others," he said.

However, he stressed that the movement will not be involved in the preparations of the roadshow.

On the possibility of joining forces with Tamil education groups which are opposing the move, Bock said there has been no discussion about this so far.

BA leaders to attend talks

When contacted, Keadilan vice-president Azmin Ali said the next talk will be held in Penang early next month.

He added that the respective BA party presidents, Keadilan's Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, PRM's Dr Syed Husin Ali and PAS' acting chief Abdul Hadi Awang, will be present at these talks.

The government has decided to implement the language switch for the two subjects despite widespread objection from various quarters, especially vernacular education groups.

While these groups acknowledged the importance of mastering English, they argued that teaching Science and Mathematics in that language will not improve proficiency.

They also said that the switch may see vernacular school students' performance in the two subjects deteriorate as it is easier for them to learn the subjects in their respective mother-tongues.

The switch will take effect next year in all schools for Year One, Remove Class, Form One and Lower Six students.