KUCHING: The Old Thomians’ Association (OTA) expressed their support for Chief Minister’s Datuk Patinggi Adenan Satem’s call on using English as a medium of instruction for Math and Science.
The resolution, passed in the annual general meeting (AGM) held on Oct 4, also called for the use of English as medium of instruction in all mission schools in Sarawak.
The AGM was chaired by president James Brodie.
OTA noted that the use of English as medium of instruction in schools were part of the 18-point Malaysia agreement. It also said that the abundance of English resources and English being the favoured lingua franca were reasons to support this move.
“The basis of this motion was to ensure proficiency in the use of English. There is urgency in students’ lack of exposure to a proper English-based education as well as a proper command of English among mission schools in Sarawak,” said the association.
The list of motions passed in the meeting include supporting Adenan’s call on using English in Science and Math in all schools; reviving the use of English language as official medium of instruction in all mission schools in Sarawak; calling upon the principal to implement single session in St Thomas’s secondary school; and calling upon the School Board to revive the new Sixth Form building and facilities project.
Earlier, Old Thomian Lim Kian Hock, former secretary to Council Negeri, presented a book entitled “The Birth of Malaysia” by Datuk James Wong Kim Min to the Association.
Additionally, Dr Alvin Yeo confirmed that the St.Thomas’s Archive Project (STAr), slated to start early January 2015, include digitalising school magazine, The Square, old pictures and documents to be uploaded to the OTA website (www.ota.org.my).
Yeo urged former Thomians to donate cash or scanner to facilitate the project. The project was made possible with the generous support from Adenan and Old Thomian honourary member Datuk Yong Khoon Seng.
Former Thomians who are interested to help with the project, may contact the secretary Alex Lim at 019-8862493.
OTA convey their thanks to Archbishop Datuk Bolly Lapok, School Management Board, OTA honorary members and advisors Datuk Yong Khoon Seng and John Ko, as well as principal, headmaster, teachers and students of St Thomas’s primary and secondary schools and members for their help and support in the past years.