Much debate over our ‘rojak’ English

 

This is not meant to humiliate any minister but I do have an important statement to make. I realise that it will not be a popular proposition but let me say it anyway for what it’s worth. I’m prepared for the brickbats and criticisms.

It is very important for ministers to speak well in English too. In fact, I strongly feel that should be made compulsory. If I may press on, I think that if you cannot handle English on the public stage, then you should not be a minister.

We can always argue that Bahasa Malaysia (not Bahasa Melayu, please) is the national language while English plays second fiddle in Malaysia.

Being able to speak English is not just about being able to communicate with native English speakers. It is clear that English is the global language. Thus, learning English and being able to speak the language is important as it enables you to communicate easily on the international arena.

Two video clips which went viral recently say a lot about how some in authority speak English in public. I don’t wish to be rude but I have to say it – it was horrendous!

First, there was the video of a minister speaking in English. Honestly, I was unable to catch a word of what she was saying. I’m not sure whether she was speaking at a function or that she was promoting an upcoming event of her ministry. But the clip was not a fake.

I do not know the minister’s background, so I did a search. What surprised me is that the minister (I will be polite and not mention name) was educated in Northwood University in Michigan, US, besides earning a first degree at a local university.

I believe we expect any Malaysian, let alone a minister, educated overseas to be quite fluent in English but unfortunately, this was not the case. She fell short, way way short.

The poor minister was also criticised recently by her fellow female politicians for allegedly turning her office into a fashion centre for models.

As a man, I would refrain from commenting what women do in their offices. I can see that she has a makeover and it is only gentlemanly of me to compliment her on her new look. So, tahniah, Yang Berhormat Menteri.

The other clip shows a teacher, possibly in a biology class, trying her level best to make sense in English. This is understandable as not all teachers are well trained in the English language.

However, it is of concern if the video is a production of the Education Ministry or its associate. It is embarrassing to the teacher in the clip and a negative indicator of the standard of English among Malaysians as a whole.

Potshots from both sides

Politicians from both sides had taken potshots at each other for their poor English at international forums in the past.

Pakatan Harapan had criticised Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for his poor command of English when he addressed the United Nations some years ago as the deputy prime minister.

MCA chief Wee Ka Siong also took a dig at Mohamad Sabu’s poor English when the then defence minister spoke at the 18th IISS Asia Security Summit Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore in 2019.

I commented then that Wee’s statement that Mat Sabu had embarrassed the country with his poor command of English is not totally out of line. So was the criticism against Zahid.

On the international stage, we expect our leaders to be respected and held in high esteem. The ability to speak well and hold the audience’s attention is necessary. That means possessing a good command of English.

Not all political leaders are blessed with oratory skills. This is something which must be recognised by all who have to speak regularly at public events.

There is also a difference between not being able to speak in public and not knowing how to speak effectively in public. Unless you have mastered the language, it is impossible to be articulate.

To the ministers, please take pains to learn English and speak the language well if you wish to represent the nation whether at home or abroad.

Don’t embarrass yourself and Malaysians with your ‘rojak’ English.

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FRANCIS PAUL SIAH is the author of Hijack in Malaysia: The Fall of Pakatan Harapan. Obtain autographed copies from sirsiah@gmail.com. - Mkini

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.