By Clarissa Oon

THE teaching of mother tongue languages remains a vital feature of Singapore's education system, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said yesterday.

He issued a brief statement in the wake of strong reactions to Education Minister Ng Eng Hen's recent comments that the weighting given to mother tongue languages in the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) may be cut.

Mr Lee said: 'I know many Singaporeans, including pupils, parents and teachers, are concerned about the Government's plans for the teaching of mother tongues in schools, and especially at PSLE.

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