By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 11: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today stressed that mastering Bahasa Malaysia and English should not be seen as being in conflict, while praising Sarawak’s efforts to strengthen English proficiency.
He said that while Bahasa Malaysia must be upheld as the official language, the country’s changing needs also make English mastery equally important.
“Speaking Bahasa Malaysia as the official language does not mean belittling English, and prioritising English does not mean abandoning Bahasa Malaysia. It is not a zero-sum game.
“That is why, on the matter of English, I am aligned with what has been raised and pursued in Sarawak by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, because mastering English is indeed very important,” he said at a dinner here tonight in conjunction with his work visit to Sarawak.
Anwar added that enriching Chinese, Tamil and native languages such as Iban, Melanau and Bidayuh would only strengthen the nation rather than diminish it.
However, he lamented that his remarks had been distorted by certain quarters, accusing him of “bowing to Chinese demands” by glorifying English at the expense of Bahasa Malaysia.
“Unlike Sarawak, we (in Peninsula) are facing this problem,” he said, pointing out that extreme statements on race and religion continue to surface in the Peninsula.
Anwar acknowledged that Islam is the religion of the Federation in Peninsula Malaysia and that Sarawak’s context is slightly different, but emphasised that celebrating, respecting and honouring diversity has never been an issue in the region.
“I want to stress this because, as I have repeatedly mentioned, thankfully Sarawak has not been burdened by the racial and religious problems seen in some states in the Peninsula.
“With unity intact, the focus can then be directed towards greater priorities such as advanced technology, training programmes and talent development,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
