Support use of both BM and English: Lam Thye
Published on: Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Tan highlighted that in the past, Malaysians were commended for their English proficiency while ambassadors and heads of departments were often elected as Chairmen at some international conferences.
Kota Kinabalu: Former Bukit Bintang MP and Social Activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said there was a need for Malaysians to embrace Malay-English bilingualism and strike a balance between being proficient in both languages.
He was responding to recent developments where Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reminded all companies and universities to correspond with government agencies in Malay, failing which their correspondence will be returned without response.
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“The announcement by the Prime Minister took many quarters by surprise considering the fact that this was not an issue all this while and such announcement was unnecessary.
“Now that the statement has been made it could give rise to some concerns by foreign investors and others who have to correspond with our government agencies,” he said in a statement, last Sunday.
He said it is undeniable that the Malay language holds a special place in the hearts of Malaysians and as the national language, plays a significant role in preserving and promoting the Malaysian identity and national unity.
He acknowledged that encouraging the use of Malay is essential for preserving Malaysia’s cultural heritage, and fostering a sense of belonging.
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“Moreover, proficiency in Malay is often a requirement for many job opportunities, especially in the public sector.
“But while we celebrate the importance of Malay, it is equally important not to overlook the advantages of English language proficiency.
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“English is a global lingua franca. English opens doors to a wide range of international opportunities. It is the language of business, without which multinational companies may be reluctant to invest here,” he stressed.
Tan highlighted that in the past, Malaysians were commended for their English proficiency while ambassadors and heads of departments were often elected as Chairmen at some international conferences.
He said as a result, many doors were open for Malaysians on the international stage, adding that English proficiency can enhance employability and open up career prospects both locally and abroad.
“English is the predominant language of the internet and a vast repository of knowledge. It grants Malaysians access to a wealth of information, research, and educational resources that may not be available in other languages.
“As our world becomes more interconnected, effective communication across borders is essential. English facilitates this communication, allowing Malaysians to engage with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and languages,” he said.
Tan added that proficiency in English can also pave the way for Malaysian students to pursue higher education in prestigious institutions abroad.
“The English language is at the forefront of innovation and technology. Staying current with advancements in various fields often requires an understanding of English,” he said.
He stressed that encouraging the use of Malay while recognising the benefits of English does not mean neglecting one in favour of the other.
“It’s about striking a balance that allows Malaysians to be proficient in both languages. By striking a balance between these two languages, Malaysians can harness the benefits of both to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and diverse world.
“Embracing bilingualism is not about choosing one language over the other. It’s about celebrating the richness of our linguistic heritage while preparing for a globally competitive future,” he said.
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