KUALA LUMPUR - THE review and report on whether to continue teaching Mathematics and Science in English is on track, said Education Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

'The draft is nearly complete, (It is) just waiting for my 'okay' to be distributed to the ministries,' he said.

He said the report would be sent to the relevant agencies, including the Higher Education Ministry, for their input, before it is forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration.

Mr Hishammuddin was speaking to reporters at a press conference at his home in Ampang, on Sunday.

Asked whether he would fast-track the decision following the call by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Saturday for an immediate decision to be made on the matter, he said: 'No, there is no (need for) fasttrack because it is on schedule.'

On Saturday, more than 2,000 people marched to hand over a memorandum to the King asking for the return of Bahasa Malaysia as the medium of instruction for Mathematics and Science.

Mr Hishammuddin said any decision on education policies regarding the future of the young generation should not be based on pressure or street demonstrations.

'I hope the public will give us the chance to make a decision based on facts, figures and studies rather than come to a conclusion based on emotions and demonstrations like that which took place yesterday,' he said.

Mr Hishammuddin disagreed with the suggestion that the demonstration would have an impact on his chances of winning a vice-president's post in the Umno general assembly.

'It is my responsibility. This matter is beyond self-interest,' he said. Mr Hishammuddin also blamed the Opposition for orchestrating the protest. -- THE STAR/ANN