He said the belief that success and intelligence can only be achieved through mastery of English is misguided.
“I do not advocate reducing the importance of English, but I also reject any phobia towards our own language,” Bernama reported.
“I want to remind those overly fixated on the English language that while they may have grown up in London, they live in Malaysia and must represent the hopes and aspirations of the Malaysian people as a whole,” he said during the launch of the National Language Month 2024 at the Ipoh Convention Centre today.
Also present were Perak menteri besar Saarani Mohamad, Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka director-general Hazami Jahari and National Laureates Zurinah Hassan and Rahman Shaari.
Anwar said the emphasis on mastering any language should not be a zero-sum game that sidelines Malay as the national language.
He said that any focus within the education system on utilising other languages, such as Chinese and Tamil, should not diminish the focus on Malay.
Anwar said a similar emphasis on Malay should be given by the private sector.
“It’s true that I’m among those who stress the necessity of mastering the English language in today’s competitive world, along with proficiency in Chinese, Tamil, Arabic and other languages.
“No advancing country can afford to disregard the major languages of the world.
“While mastering the English language is crucial and fundamental in this country, it shouldn’t overshadow or diminish the emphasis on mastering Malay as the national language.”
Anwar called on the various ethnic groups in the country to strengthen their commitment to empower the Malay language.
“When this is achieved, it will be easier for us to focus on enhancing English, Chinese, Tamil and other languages.”
Anwar said his leadership would remain dedicated to elevating Malay while ensuring other languages are not marginalised.
“It has been claimed that the Madani government marginalises the Malay language. Where exactly is this marginalisation?
“We’ve given priority to Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka and education. Compared to previous years, it is evident that more funds and support are now being given.”
Anwar later presented the Malay language icon award to three recipients — folk singers Roslan Madun and Hazwan Haziq Rosebi as well as TV host Ahmad Fedtri Yahya.
He also presented the scientific work in Malay prize to Shamsul Bahari Abdul Razak for his book “Kelulutologi: Merungkai Misteri Kelulut Alam dan Kehidupan Manusia” and Nafishah Mat Rabi for her work “Rawatan Alternatif Untuk Kanak-Kanak Autistik”.