LETTER | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has accepted the fact that the level of proficiency in English is extremely critical.
The word "critical" brings to mind the great floods of the end of 1970. I would be constantly hearing the news over the radio of the Bradley Steps at Kuala Krai, the flood-assessing point in Kelantan. It did breach the critical level.
It was also around that time that the importance of Bahasa Malaysia came into the fold. The English language slowly and surely took a backseat.
In the span of 50 years, the standard of English has cascaded from a high, on par with countries like Singapore and Britain, to one that is languishing at rock bottom.
Our prime minister stressed the importance of mastering English at the AmBank Group's Golden Jubilee Anniversary dinner recently, and it cannot be overlooked.
It is a timely reminder. Our leaders should take heed and set an example to the rest by making an effort to speak in proper English at functions.
Unsurprising decline
Anwar also reiterated that the Education Ministry needs to step up efforts to enhance the level of English proficiency.
The stark reality of the decline in the standard of English over the past half-century is certainly not surprising and is a cause for concern.
This has been the case as not much importance is given to English at the school level anymore.
There are no more UPSR and PMR examinations for students to take English seriously. Tuition centres themselves have realised that there is a marked decline in students enrolling to study English since there are no more exams involved.
It goes without saying that, in general, students will only take English seriously if there are exams involved.
No masterplan blueprint, no post-mortem and no amount of money pumped into the system can help enhance the level of English proficiency.
The Immersion Programme, as an example, where teachers were sent in batches on a crash programme in English, was supposed to create instant success in the learning of English. Sadly, it didn't work out well.
It is high time to swallow one's pride and act. I am certain many parent-teacher associations would welcome it.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
