Teaching Science and Maths in English was the brainchild of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to improve students proficiency in the language.

The policy was implemented in all national schools but an alternative formula was reached for the vernacular Chinese schools as a compromise after strong protests from the community.

On the effectiveness of the policy, Hishammuddin said he has been getting mixed responses from parents in urban and rural areas.

"But at the end of the day, I feel that it revolves around the fear that it will affect the (usage of) Malay language (in schools)," said Education Minister Hishammuddin Hussein at a press conference, adding that vernacular schools have also rejected the policy.
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Camera: Mohd Kamal Ishak
Editing: Indrani Kopal