Strengthening Bahasa Malaysia & mastering English can co-exist; Hadi Awang trapped in the past

The statement by PAS Chairman Dato’ Seri Hadi Awang that Malaysians who prefer English over Bahasa Malaysia (BM) are trapped in a colonial mindset is a distorted approach. The use of English enables communication at a global scale and enhances mutual understanding.

Hadi’s statement does suggest that he is trapped in the past, eschewing from engaging with the outside world in order to continue basking under a “syiok sendiri” syndrome!

To be conversant and knowledgeable in both BM and Engilsh is not a zero-sum game. On the contrary, strengthening BM and using English can coexist. Hadi’s views and statements do indicate a myopic outlook and plain ignorance.

English is an internationally recognised language. This means that English is a language that is widely used around the world or in the international arena. In addition to its relatively large number of users, its geographical distribution and even its application in international organisations, diplomacy and conferences highlight the importance of the English language and how mastering English empowers one with a competitive edge.

Learning or fluency in English do not in any way affect the status of BM as the national language in the minds of Malaysian. Every Malaysian accepts and respects BM as the national language of our nation as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, and nobody has ever challenged the position of BM.

Living in a multicultural nation, and as a Member of Parliament, Hadi Awang should encourage Malaysians to be able to communicate in our nation’s various languages and dialects. Such linguistic abilities do not make any Malaysian less Malaysian.

A proposal by the Chief Secretary to the government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali that he hoped the Public Service Department (JPA) would consider action against those who did not take instructions relating to the use of Bahasa Malaysia in the civil service seriously is a regressive move. As our neighbouring countries move towards attracting FDI, our civil servants should likewise wield a high degree of English proficiency to encourage more high quality FDI into Malaysia.

As Malaysia is a developing country, we should keep abreast or even ahead of worldwide trends in order to be outstanding with a competitive edge over other countries. Simultaneously, Malaysians should also strengthen our ability to master BM, which would not conflict with the use of English in the world.

-MCA Online-