What’s wrong with mastering English and Mandarin, asks Abang Johari

 The Sarawak premier says knowing more languages will help everyone build international links and compete in the global economy.

Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said with China’s growing economic importance, the state’s recognition of UEC helps Bumiputeras master Mandarin. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Everyone should master English and Mandarin to improve their prospects and help the country compete internationally, Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said.

He said as a trading nation, everyone must communicate confidently with global partners, though improving English should not come at the expense of Bahasa Malaysia or patriotism, Dayak Daily reported.

“What is wrong with using an international language if we want our children to have an international outlook?” he was quoted as saying.

He said with China’s growing economic importance, Sarawak’s recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) helps Bumiputeras master Mandarin and engage in trade, including palm oil exports.

“That is why the late (chief minister) Adenan Satem and the state government decided to recognise the UEC, so that Bumiputeras could become multilingual. Otherwise, we would lose out,” he said.

The UEC is the school-leaving certificate for students attending Chinese independent schools and is academically equivalent to the national Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) or international A-levels.

The certificate was recognised by Sarawak in 2016 as valid for entry to state civil service positions, state-owned colleges and universities, and qualify for Yayasan Sarawak education loans. - FMT