Malaysia is known for its unique blend of different cultures living together in harmony, which is reflected in citizens speaking multiple languages and dialects all in the same breath.
However, in the midst of doing so, the national language, Bahasa Melayu, has often been neglected in the process, something which prime minister Anwar Ibrahim called out certain elite groups for.
Anwar to elites: ‘Don’t be too obsessed with English’
In his speech at the launch of National Language Month 2024 at the Ipoh Convention Centre (ICC) yesterday (Oct 6), Anwar said that these elite groups had become too obsessed with mastering English at the expense of Bahasa Melayu (BM).
“I am not suggesting that we reduce the emphasis on or underestimate the importance of English.
However, I do not support an attitude that has a phobia toward our own language while glorifying another language, as if our lives, success, and intelligence depend solely on mastering English.
“These individuals might have been raised in London, but I want to remind them that they live in Malaysia and are responsible not only to a small elite group but must also represent the aspirations of all Malaysians,” he said as quoted by NST.
Anwar also called upon all ethnic groups in the country to come together in strengthening the national language instead of bickering with each other over languages.
He added that once this is achieved, it will be easier for the government to place its focus on enhancing other languages such as English, Chinese, and Tamil.
“It is true that I emphasise the need to master English in this challenging world, as well as Chinese, Tamil, Arabic, and other languages. No advancing country would disregard the major languages of the world.
“This is not a zero-sum game. Emphasising the importance of English proficiency, which is necessary and vital in this country, should not sideline or reduce to master Bahasa Melayu as the National Language,” he said.
BM proficiency has long been a contentious topic in Malaysia, where some have claimed they were discriminated or mistreated over their fluency:
