IPOH, Oct 6 — The emphasis on mastering any language should not be a zero-sum game that sidelines Bahasa Melayu as the national language, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Any focus within the education system on utilising other languages, including Chinese and Tamil, should not diminish the focus on Bahasa Melayu, which holds a special position in the Federal Constitution and national education policy.
He said that a similar emphasis should be applied in the private sector.
“It is true that I am among those who stress the necessity of mastering the English language in today’s competitive world, along with proficiency in Chinese, Tamil, Arabic, and other languages. No advancing country can afford to disregard the major languages of the world.
“However, this is not a zero-sum game. While mastering the English language is crucial and fundamental in this country, it should not overshadow or diminish the emphasis on mastering Bahasa Melayu as the national language,” he said when launching the National Language Month 2024 today.
— Bernama
