Anwar: English proficiency "critical and important" for Malaysia's future

Foto ihsan Kosmo 

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged the Education Ministry to step up efforts to improve English proficiency among students in the country.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the English language is "too critical and important for the nation."

"I mentioned this a few weeks ago. I said we have to promote Bahasa. It is a national language. I don't accept Malaysians not being proficient in the Malay language.

"I also don't accept the fact that the level of English proficiency… It is too critical and important for this nation, which means the Education Ministry must do more to enhance the level of English proficiency," he said in his speech at the Ambank Group 50th anniversary dinner.

Also present was Ambank Group Holdings Bhd chairman and board member Tan Sri Azman Hashim. He said Bahasa Malaysia should continue to hold its place as the national language, with proficiency required of all Malaysians. Anwar said the country's success depends on having clear policies and direction to ensure every Malaysian feels included and valued, regardless of race.

"This country can only succeed if you have a clear policy and direction to embrace every single Malaysian so that they feel protected and wanted. Then we will be able to survive as a country that shows affection for all Malaysians," he said.

Anwar said that there should be no barriers for Malaysians to excel in other languages such as Chinese, Tamil, Arabic or French.

"There is no reason why we should marginalise or make it difficult for others to try and excel their level of proficiency in English language as Chinese or Tamil or Arabic or French. Banker families and fraternities must realise that beyond basic preoccupation, there must be an understanding and commitment to protect the interests of this country and to serve Malaysia as a whole," he told those present.

"You cannot allow a group of desperate minorities using the race card or religious belonging to influence the direction of this country, because politically, economically and socially, we cannot sustain it," he said.

Source: NST