(Oct 28): The Dual Language Programme (DLP) is not a policy like the Teaching and Learning of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI), said Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.

He said the DLP would only be implemented in selected schools next year and have the agreement of groups such as Parent and Teacher Associations.

"It is a programme, not policy. A programme which will have two languages for schools that are ready," he told reporters at the Shah Alam Convention today.

On the reason only Year One and Year Four pupils would be involved in the programme, Mahdzir said this was because it was a pioneer project and to date only 300 schools were ready to adopt it.

The Star Online reported today that the programme will be carried out gradually starting with 20 to 30 schools instead of all 300 at once.

Under the programme, schools would be given a chance to teach in either English or Bahasa Malaysia to pupils in Year One and Year Four.

In last Friday's Budget 2016 announcement, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the programme was part of the government's efforts to uphold Bahasa Malaysia and strengthen the usage of English. – The Malaysian Insider