Letter to the Editor
By Lating Minggang
It makes me proud to be a Sarawakian when our state leaders dare to differ from their federal counterparts and show a forward-thinking vision of solidarity.
They speak out and make their stance clear on matters of common interest to Sarawak, which aligns with the State’s goal of becoming a developed entity by 2030.
Recently, State Secretary Datuk Mohd Abu Bakar Marzuki stated that the Sarawak civil service can use English in official communications, firmly reiterating that Sarawak will not heed the reminder issued by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, which suggested that all government departments should only entertain letters written in the national language, Bahasa Melayu.
However, it’s disheartening to note that, even after 60 years since the formation of Malaysia, the use of the English language remains a contentious issue in the country.
This is despite the fact that the English language has a significant impact on the nation’s cultural evolution, the ability of the nation’s workforce to deal with international clients, and even plays a role in the development of critical thinking skills among the people.
It also contributes to nation-building, especially in influencing the aspect of national unity in a multi-racial society.
Similarly, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, underscores the importance of the English language as Sarawak adopts a global outlook.
English remains crucial, particularly in the domains of communication, trade, and commerce.
English is a universal language, and if we equip our children with the “fit for purpose” language skills from a young age, they will undoubtedly become invaluable assets to the state’s workforce. They will be able to compete and thrive in the open market.
The harsh realities have emerged, and those who denied the importance of the English language can now see the adverse consequences faced by unemployable graduates.
Undeniably, the truth prevails in understanding how crucial English literacy is for gaining a competitive edge.
In the private sector, multilingual skills are essential for securing a job. English literacy is a prerequisite in today’s information age to remain employable in an extremely competitive, globalized labor market.
Moreover, English literacy is a must in multinational companies for staff to effectively communicate with international clients.
It’s safe to say that those who can only communicate in Bahasa Malaysia may find their employment options limited to the government sector. However, this could be one of the side effects of elevating Bahasa Malaysia at the expense of the English language.
Often, there are numerous job openings in multinational companies, but graduates are let down by their own inadequacies. One of the major shortcomings is their inability to communicate effectively in English. — DayakDaily
Lating Minggang is the Walikota for Kapit District Council.
This is the personal opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of DayakDaily. Letters to the Editor may be lightly edited for clarity.
