Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's continued push for science and mathematics to be taught in English has met resistance from a number of groups.

Among those who have spoken out against the policy are the National Muslim Students Association (PKPIM), the Muslim Youth Movement (Abim), the Linguistics Association of Malaysia, Amanah Youth, PSM Youth, and Gerakan.

The crux of the arguments against PPSMI is that while the teaching of English should be enhanced, it should not be done through science and mathematics.

"(Empowering English) should be done through a teaching method that is more student friendly," PKPIM president Muhammad Nur Iman Abdul Khudus said in a statement today.

Amanah Youth vice chief Shazni Munir Mohd Ithnin (below) suggested that a English Communications class can also be considered to complement the existing syllabus.

On Tuesday, Mahathir urged Malaysians to overcome their nationalistic pride and accept the teaching of science and mathematics in English.

The nonagenarian introduced the policy in 2003 in his previous tenure as prime minister, but it was rolled back in 2012 due to protest from the civil society and political parties.

In April, Mahathir said the government had reintroduced PPSMI without announcing it.

He was referring to the "dual language programme" (DLP) which was introduced in 2016.

At present, about 1,300 schools nationwide have adopted the DLP programme, where the subjects of science and mathematics are conducted in English.

Education Minister Maszlee Malik was quoted as saying in June that the government had no plan to revive PPSMI.

On June 20, Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the cabinet discussed PPSMI, but no decision was made.