I AM continually impressed by the ability of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew to reflect on his policy shortcomings and change for the better ('MM Lee wants learning of Chinese to be fun', last Wednesday).

I agree that learning a language is an aptitude. Unlike science-based subjects, the study of language cannot be shoved down one's throat.

I have a daughter who has just completed primary school. The top award in her class went to a pupil who got an exemption from studying Chinese. She was not the best in class in any of the three subjects, but because of her exemption, her aggregate was the best.

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About two years ago, when we found our daughter was a borderline pupil in Chinese, my wife and I were concerned that a poor score in the language would pull her aggregate results down for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE). We were told we could take her to a child psychologist and get a note stating her inaptitude in the language so she could be exempted, come PSLE time.

We did not take the option, but I know of several parents who did.

I fully support the new approach of MM Lee that the learning of Chinese should be predicated on piquing the interest of the learner.

While it cannot and should not be an elective subject, future PSLE scores should de-emphasise language and concentrate on other assessment criteria.

I have known so many bright students who had to leave Singapore to further their education because of their lack of proficiency in Chinese.

I am glad the issue is being addressed now. Late as it may be, it is better late than never.

Boon Chin Aun

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