MCA has urged the Education Ministry to issue a formal written directive guaranteeing at least 12 Chinese language periods a week for Year One pupils in Chinese primary schools (SJK(C)) under the new curriculum taking effect in 2027.
Party secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon said reducing the weekly minimum from 12 periods to 10 raised concerns over how the ministry would ensure pupils continued to receive sufficient Chinese language instruction.
“MCA notes Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh’s explanation that 10 periods is a minimum, that headteachers may allocate additional periods, and that the Ministry has reached an understanding with Chinese primary school heads’ organisations to prioritise two additional periods for Chinese,” Chong said.
However, he said allowing schools to provide 12 periods was not the same as guaranteeing that every school would do so, adding that parents and teachers needed a consistent national policy.
“Article 152 of the Federal Constitution establishes Malay as the national language while protecting the teaching and learning of other languages,” Chong stressed.
“It also preserves the Federal and State Governments’ right to sustain the use and study of other communities’ languages. Education reform should uphold these safeguards through clear policies and effective implementation.”
MCA called for three measures to safeguard Chinese language instruction under the new curriculum.
First, it urged the ministry to guarantee at least 12 weekly Chinese language periods for Year One pupils in every SJK(C), with the requirement clearly stated in the formal curriculum directive.
It also called for practical timetable guidance and support for schools facing staffing or scheduling difficulties.
Second, MCA called for a review of curriculum content, teaching materials and assessment requirements alongside lesson allocations to protect teaching quality and ensure manageable workloads.
It said schools needed clear guidance on maintaining sufficient Chinese language instruction while meeting other curriculum requirements, without placing unreasonable demands on pupils and teachers.
Third, the party urged the ministry to broaden consultations before implementation by involving Chinese education organisations and classroom teachers alongside school heads.
It also called for a review of lesson allocations, pupils’ progress and teachers’ workloads after implementation, supported by a clear mechanism for resolving problems.
“MCA supports education reform that strengthens pupils’ overall development. Character education and Chinese language learning can reinforce each other, including through the Ministry’s stated arrangement for character-building activities in SJK(C) to be conducted in Chinese,” Chong said.
He urged the ministry to translate its assurances into clear written requirements, saying a national curriculum should provide every school with the guidance and support needed to deliver adequate language education.‒Oct 28, 2026
Main image: The Star
