Mastering English doesn't mean abandoning BM, says Anwar

 

While the government works to improve Malaysians’ mastery of the English language, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that it has never strayed from efforts to strengthen the Malay language.

He said in today’s age, it is essential for one to master English.

“I have urged the education and communication ministers to promote greater mastery of English in our country due to current needs to ensure a digital and AI-driven future.

“However, I have never strayed from the core principle of making the Malay language the lingua franca and the language of knowledge,” he said during his speech at the MPI-Petronas Malaysian Journalism Awards 2023 held at Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur last night.

Anwar stressed that promoting English strengthens the Malay language.

Without naming anyone, Anwar said that some urban elites and a small portion of non-Malay scholars seemed enthusiastic about English but became mute when discussing the Malay language.

He said that such behaviour raised concerns and led to suspicions among Malays.

“There’s no problem in promoting and urging the enhancement of English language proficiency, but don’t portray it as if you want to marginalise the Malay language,” he said.

Yesterday, the Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia criticised Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek for not withdrawing the circular regarding the Dual Language Programme (DLP).

This happened after 11 SMJK and Chinese secondary schools in Penang voiced disagreement with the Education Ministry requiring schools under the DLP to have at least one class teaching Science and Mathematics in Malay.

This is because there is virtually no demand from parents for the students in these schools to have their children study these subjects in Malay instead of English, according to The Star. - Mkini