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Mrs. Selina Chow:- Sir, is the Government's intention to
teach Putonghua as a second language or will it be used
as a medium of instruction?
Director of Education:- Sir, initially the intention is to
teach Putonghua as a subject. Eventally schools may wish
to adopt Putonghua as the medium of instruction.
Mrs. Selina Chow:- Sir, can we be assured that Putonghua will
not be adopted as a medium of instruction prematurely?
Director of Education:- The medium of instruction in secondary
schools and primary schools is always at the discretion of
heads of schools and I think they are sensible enough not
to introduce Putonghua as the medium of instruction prematurely.
His Excellency the President:- Is it to the proper question,
Mr. Cheong?
Mr. Stephen Cheong:- Yes, to the proper question, I hope.
(laughter)
His Excellency the President:- We are drifting. (laughter)
Mr. Stephen Cheong:- Yes, Mr Chairman, I will phrase my
question so that it will be related to the proper question.
I can well understand the concern about Putonghua teaching