I really have something to share about this.
The first shock I got can be traced back to the time when I was trying to apply for universities. Stated as one of the qualifications is to "score"at least a band one in Malaysian University English Test (MUET), which literally means anyone who take the MUET exam can enter a university, just that you'll need to take it. SO what cause the problem? FYI, a band one scorer, stated just as clear on the result slip, is a very limited user of English language who can hardly able to use the language, with very limited understanding of language, context and ability to function in the language. So WHY organizing such exam that makes no sense at all (exception for those applying for critical courses such as medicine and dentistry), as you do not even need to pass to make a qualification.
The second shock is received when I enrolled into my university and until now, I've still still been given lectures in Bahasa Malayu, even though all the materials such as lecture notes and international text books are all written in English. And the reason given is, to optimize students' understanding. Some of the assignments are even being instructed to be completed using Bahasa Melayu. On the other hand, some students are having their own copies of textbook in Bahasa Melayu and examinations are conducted bilingually.
And the third shock of the students' ability to master English language, which I refuse to give much comment here. I cannot say that I'm all good in using English, but I'm much, or surprisingly better. However, the students' attitudes or further efforts (or no effort at all) to excel in mastering this language are definitely not satisfying.
I do believe English deserved to be treated more seriously in a tertiary education system.
And seriously, I feet burdened working under such situations.
