I refer to the Malaysiakini report Language march: Tear gas fired .

I find it difficult to fathom the objectives and the mindset of the so-called peaceful protestors who marched from Masjid Negara to Istana Negara last Saturday, apparently to submit a protest memorandum to Yang Di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin against the policy of using English to teach Science and Mathematics.

The ministry of education has been very receptive to public opinion and had been in discussion with various stakeholders to get their feedback on the policy.

There is also very healthy debate going on in the electronic and print mainstream media (MSM) as well as in blogosphere where opinions are shared and debated in a civilised and intellectual manner.

What is more disappointing was the presence of senior politicians and members of Parliament who had been voted in by the rakyat to bring up, debate and decide on precisely such key national issues in Parliament.

It is indeed perplexing why these politicians had resorted to street protests and the submitting of a memorandum to the King to make their opinion heard rather than using appropriate and legitimate democratic avenues to present their views.

It was highly distressing to see that these protestors not only had no permit for the gathering, but also behaved in an uncivilised manner by defying police orders to disperse and causing a massive traffic jam.

The importance of English in this ‘Flat World’ cannot be over-stated. Like it or not, English has emerged as the lingua franca of the business, scientific and technological fields. Those we do not possess the mastery of the language are at a severe disadvantage.

One of the key factors that makes Malaysia attractive to foreign investment and tourism is our mastery of English. Malaysians are also much sought after in the job market around the world due to our English proficiency.

Countries that in the past ignored English to protect their national languages now have realised their mistake. China, Korea and Japan are some of the nations which now very focused on developing the English mastery of their citizens.

Korean parents, for example, often spend a fortune to send their children to the US for several months just learn the language.

It was reported that 92.7% of students who sat for the 2008 STPM examination opted to answer in English for their science and mathematics papers. This clearly shows that the policy, while not without weaknesses, has been generally successful and accepted by the students.

By opposing the usage of English, these politicians and NGOs are sabotaging the future of our children and the long-term competitiveness of the nation.

It is time for the silent majority of Malaysians to make their voices heard, stand up for our children’s and the country’s future.

I have initiated an on-line petition campaign and a Facebook Page in support of this policy. I urge all right thinking Malaysians to join me in supporting the teaching of science and mathematics in English by signing up at either or both of these pages.