Johor assemblyman calls on the state government to implement third language learning in schools

ISKANDAR PUTRI: An assemblyman from Johor has demanded that the state government implement third language learning in schools. Assemblyman Amira Aisya Abd Aziz of Puteri Wangsa stated that the only two languages that are required in schools across the country are English and Bahasa Malaysia.

In certain totally residential schools (sekolah berasrama penuh), learning a third language—such as Mandarin, Japanese, Spanish, or Arabic—is required of the pupils.

“I propose that the Johor government contemplate launching a third language programme, possibly on weekends, after school hours, or during weekend camps,” she declared during her debating speech at this Monday’s state assembly in Kota Iskandar (May 13).

She added that the state government may provide funding for the project, saying, “I think it is the government’s responsibility to give them the platform to learn.”

In response to Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s call for a national education reform that includes modifying the curricula of courses that are out of date, Amira Aisya also proposed that Johor be granted guided autonomy.

Reports on education autonomy indicate that countries with higher literacy rates were those that allowed schools to set their own curricula and examination procedures.

We don’t need to request complete autonomy like other nations do. Considering the state’s potential and demographics, guided autonomy might be granted in the beginning to make the required adjustments, the speaker suggested.

“Johor would be leading a revolution in education if it were serious about guided autonomy,” the speaker continued.

In order to guarantee that the upcoming generation would be competitive, Tunku Ismail stated on May 9 that the Federal Government should be more aggressive in enhancing the standard, framework, and resources of education.