PUTRAJAYA – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has refuted claims that Malaysia is considering hiring teachers from Singapore to teach English. The Prime Minister clarified that the proposal, intended as a volunteer programme, aims to boost English proficiency and improve bilateral relations between Malaysia and Singapore.
“Listen first. Sometimes, the ‘three-minute experts’ will simply make (claims) on social media and all their facts are wrong,” said Mr. Anwar during his speech at the Madani Aspiration Gathering at Putrajaya International Convention Center on June 14.
“The assumption is that we are appointing English teachers from Singapore. That is wrong,” he emphasized.
Mr. Anwar explained that during a recent meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, they discussed several matters, including the potential for a volunteer programme. This initiative, fully funded by the Singaporean Government, would involve volunteers going to rural areas, villages, and the interior of Sabah and Sarawak to teach English.
“Recently, I met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and discussed several matters. (These included the possibility of) establishing an aid scheme from Singapore or getting volunteers, fully paid by the Singaporean Government, to go to rural areas, villages, and the interior of Sabah and Sarawak to teach English,” he clarified.
On June 12, Mr. Anwar and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong met to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations. Following the meeting, Mr. Anwar faced criticism from some quarters, who accused him of disrespecting local teachers by purportedly attempting to bring in teachers from Singapore. “This is purely to strengthen ties between our countries,” he reiterated.