Maths in English? Sue the Government!

In what I would call a clear case of students with really nothing better to do, the Star reported that four students have filed a suit against the Government over its policy to teach Science and Mathematics in English.

The students – Mohammad Syawwaal Mohammad Nizar, Mohammad Fadzil Nor Mohd Rosni, Nur Najihah Muhaimin and Syazaira Arham Yahya Ariff – are seeking to declare two circulars on the execution of the policy dated Nov 27, 2002, unconstitutional, null and void, and of no effect.

They are also seeking a declaration from the High Court that the Government had no power and privilege to introduce, enforce and implement the policy stated in the two circulars.

Apart from that, the students also want the High Court to issue an order to compel the Government to change or restore the policy stated in those two policies according to the provisions of the Federal Constitution and written laws regarding the matter.

These students are basing their suit on the provision of laws like the National Language Act 1967 and the Education Act 1966, as well as Article 152 which enshrined the Malay language as the national language.

More incredulously, they claimed that due to the different teaching policy for the subjects in the national schools as compared to the vernacular schools, the government is practising discrimination and enforcing inequality.

I actually wonder what type of inequality they are referring to, for I can think of a fair few other types of inequality one can file suit in our courts with better legal grounds. I suppose the court should just strike out the suit with a "reprimand" for making frivolous use of the court's time, creating further backlog in our already inefficient court process.

The kids would probably not know what the heck they have been doing without instigation from their parents or even possibly their teachers. I really wonder what vested interest these parties have in filing the suit. Who knows, I might just get a lawsuit against me for promoting the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English as well... :-)