‘Chinese to be offered only at secondary level’ - education minister

In the wake of widespread reports that Chinese language studies will be offered at primary level, Education Minister Evarist Bartolo quashed the 'unfounded and untrue' reports and explained that the language will be solely offered at Secondary level and only if the demand arises.

An Education Ministry spokesperson had previously claimed that the subject would become compulsory in primary school but this was rebutted by the Minister himself, who insisted that prior to introducing other languages, the schools must ensure that students are proficient in English and Maltese.

"Instead, the subject will be introduced at secondary school level as it would not make sense to introduce the subject at primary level. Along with other languages, it would serve to expand the school curriculum and give students a further opportunity to further their studies."

Evarist Bartolo also hinted that, in line with the Ministry's multilingual development in primary education, more languages will be introduced at the latter years of primary education. In response to Opposition MP Clyde Puli's query, the Minister explained that it is not yet decided which subjects are to be introduced.

Coupled with China's investment in Malta's energy corporation Enemalta and Konrad Mizzi's wife deployment as Malta's Enterprise envoy in China, the introduction of Chinese in Malta's education curriculum was met with disdain as critics saw the introduction of the language as a possible marriage between the two countries.

Following the signing of the energy memorandum of understanding between the government and its Chinese counterparts, the introduction of the language was deemed to be a step in the right direction towards flourishing the relationship between the two countries.

A few weeks ago it was announced that the Energy Minister's wife Sai Mizzi Liang will be appointed as Malta Enterprise's investment envoy in China, a decision branded by the Nationalist Party as compromising meritocracy and transparency. Earlier this year, it was also announced that state-owned China Communications Construction Company Limited will finance a €4 million study to assess the feasibility of a bridge between Malta and Gozo.