SPM SURVEY: Survey not representative - NST

By : PROFESSOR DR NOR HAYATI OTHMAN Dean, Clinical Science Research &Chairman, Conjoint Board Pathology Universiti Sains Malaysia Kubang Kerian, Kelantan

THE results of the New Straits Times online poll on the place of English in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination ("Majority says aye" -- NST, June 10) cannot be used as a basis for discussion.

The subjects of the survey were most likely people who read your newspaper, that is, they are already conversant in English, have Internet access (most likely urban), probably were not from interest groups such as students, teachers, academics or parents.

Also, the sample size of 1,027 is only a minute fraction of the Malaysian adult population, indicating that the survey was not representative.

If the survey were to be replicated using hardcopy questionnaires, with good random sampling of the subjects, equal distribution of gender, socio-economic stratification and people from urban and rural areas, the results might be completely different.

I am not against saying "aye" to the discussion (having a pass in English for SPM). Indeed, I think that is a very good proposal. I am just questioning the conclusion that was drawn from what I think is poor statistical methodology.

I would like to add to the proposal. Other than having a pass in English, students should have a good credit in Bahasa Malaysia. We should also encourage our students to learn a third or a fourth language, like many students do in European countries.