The manufacturing sector strongly supports the 2016 deadline to make English a must-pass subject in public examinations as announced by YAB Deputy Prime Minister on March 8, 2013. 

The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) commends the Government for setting a deadline which is even faster than FMM’s proposed 2018.  This move by the Government has provided parents and students greater certainty and clarity on the Government’s policy on English.

Efforts in retraining of teachers as well as completing the necessary facilities should now become more vigorous to ensure that the Government’s aspiration is achieved. FMM is confident that as long as the Government is committed and stays firmly on course, the 2016 deadline is attainable.

FMM congratulates the Government for its urgency in expediting efforts to improve English proficiency. Mastery of the English language is well acknowledged as necessary in the acquisition of knowledge and in attracting higher value–added investments, thus allowing the country to move quickly towards achieving a high-income knowledge economy.