Science and mathematics textbooks for primary four students are can now be published in Mandarin for students at Chinese national-type primary schools, Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein Onn said today.

In his winding-up speech on the Budget 2006 debate in Parliament, Hishamuddin (BN-Sembrong) said the move followed a request from the MCA.

"As part of the implementation of the teaching and learning of science and mathematics subjects in English, I have also allowed these textbooks to be published in Mandarin for the usage of students at Chinese-type national schools to assist them in the switchover."

He added there was no standard formula to handle matters concerning the issue. "I am open to discussions related to the implementation based on fact and figures."

He said that there was room for improvement and efforts were being taken to further improve the delivery of the policy.

Meanwhile, Chong Eng (DAP-Bukit Mertajam) suggested that students master English first before studying science and mathematics in that language.

She recommended that the students be taught in English form Primary One to Primary Three before being taught the two subjects from Primary Four onwards.

The switch to English for both science and mathematics began in all schools from Primary One to Three in 2003.