NIBONG TEBAL: All schools are bound by the Dual Language Programme (DLP) ruling, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said.
She said there was no exception for any schools despite claims that certain elite schools could ignore the new ruling.
"Not true (claims that certain elite schools can ignore the new ruling).
"We have asked and we have stressed for all schools to use and refer to the guidelines put in place.
"And there are no issues as of now," she told newsmen at SK Sungai Bakap here today.
She was met after the launch of the 'Teaching School' and 'Upholding Malay Language and Strengthening Command of English (MBMMBI)' programme.
Clause 12.2.8 of the DLP guidelines requires that Year One and Form One classes have one non-DLP class teaching maths and science in Bahasa Melayu, regardless of parental preference.
Recently, Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim was reported to have said that certain elite schools were exempt from the new DLP rule.
Elaborating, the Nibong Tebal member of parliament said the ministry would assist any schools which faced problems in the implementation of the guidelines.
"They need to adhere to the guidelines. We will help them," she added when asked if there was flexibility.
Pressed on claims that certain boarding schools had advantage to ignore the DLP ruling, Fadhlina said there was no such thing.
"The guidelines are used for all schools.
"All need to refer to the guidelines," she said.
Meanwhile, Fadhlina said there has been an improvement in the performance of Malay and English languages in schools.
Regarding today's event, Fadhlina said the teaching school initiative would be expanded to other schools in the country.
"We see this as a huge commitment in ensuring that the teachers' training institutes' full
involvement in the 'Teaching School' and MBMMBI programme.