I refer to the letter entitled Teach other languages alongside BM by BR which is a rebuttal to my earlier letter entitled Education system should use one language .

I am amazed that BR came to the conclusion that I was against the introduction of English to teach Science and Maths in our schools. My line of argument was - and is - that the system used must be familiar to all the citizens so that the mastery of the language(s) will be similar for all, irrespective of race or region.

My letter was written in the context of Bahasa Malaysia as a unifying factor in the country, as espoused by those who have endeavoured to change the term Bahasa Melayu to Bahasa Malaysia, in the process denying the Malays their mother tongue, Bahasa Melayu.

BR cites the Swedish people as proud to use the Swedish language but can BR sincerely say that all Malaysians are proud to use Bahasa Malaysia/Melayu/Kebangsaan in their daily lives? He cites Singapore, but Singaporeans are not known for their pride in their national language, the Malay language.

That English is important for our economic development was never my doubt, but BR's contention that 'it took a long and powerful PM to reverse the fatal decision that everything is taught in BM' must be contested.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad was the education minister who oversaw the slow but sure decline of the English language in the education system in the country and later, as the PM, ensured that the average Malaysian was neither good in English nor excelled in the national language. This as a result of the poor implementation of a language policy by his government. His tenure was long enough to suffocate the growth of both the languages among Malaysians.

Mahathir had the power to make a pass or credit in English compulsory in all the examinations; to ensure that the average Malaysian would have acceptable skills in both BM and English but he did not do anything that might have undermined his power base. Only during his twilight years as PM, he wanted to bring English as the medium for Science and Mathematics classes, but from the outset this attempt was doomed to fail.

Concessions had to be given on political grounds here and there, and they will ensure that the system will leave big pockets untouched, contrary to the periodic press releases from the authorities. To know the true situation, visit some of our schools, especially those in the rural areas. Just harping on the fact that English is a vital employability skill alone will not do the trick when those without this basic skill are still recruited even as teachers in the government service.

My contention is that cosmetic changes alone will not bear the desired results. The system must be effective to ensure that the young Malaysians are able to use BM well in all the administrative affairs of the nation without having to rely on interpreters and translators, and at the same time have English language skills to explore all the economic possibilities worldwide.

Of course, knowledge of the mother tongue and any other language should not be underestimated, but firstly all Malaysians must be well versed in BM and English through our education system.

At present, we need not go far; just listen to our ministers and deputy ministers speaking BM or English. That is symbolic enough.