ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the connection between teaching practices and policies and government guidelines that influence English language teaching at the higher education level. It focuses on teaching of the English language as an individual course offered at the tertiary level and not on its use as a medium of instruction. The chapter surveys the teaching practices in Malaysia higher education institutions with regard to the courses offered, teaching approaches used and the language instructors' views on teaching English language at the university level. The importance of English language in the National Education Philosophy is reflected as part of the admission requirements by higher education institutions in Malaysia. The ebb and flow of English language education at all levels of the education system in Malaysia has been influenced by cultural politics and governmental control. The emphasis on the English language in the universities in Malaysia can be seen at the range of English language courses offered.
