Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim criticised certain “elite groups” for their obsession with the English language, which has led them to underestimate the importance of Bahasa Melayu.

He said the belief that success and intelligence can only be achieved through mastery of English was misguided.

“I do not advocate reducing the importance of English but I also reject any phobia towards our own language.

“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 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 and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka director-general Hazami Jahari.

Commit to empowering Bahasa Melayu

Anwar said the various ethnic groups in the country should set aside their disputes over language and strengthen their commitment to empowering Bahasa Melayu.

“When this is achieved, it will be easier for us to focus on enhancing English, Chinese, Tamil and other languages,” he said.

On that note, Anwar stated that any focus within the education system on utilising other languages, such as Chinese and Tamil, should not diminish the focus on Bahasa Melayu, which holds a special position in the Federal Constitution and national education policy.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said that similar emphasis should be applied in 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.

“However, this is not a zero-sum game. While mastering the English language is crucial and fundamental in this country, it shouldn’t overshadow or diminish the emphasis on mastering Bahasa Melayu as the national language.”

Never forget culture, literature

The Tambun MP added that a nation's economic rejuvenation must go hand in hand with the empowerment of its culture and civilisation - including language, arts and literature.

He said the Madani government under his leadership will remain dedicated to elevating Bahasa Melayu while ensuring other languages are not sidelined.

“It has been claimed that the Madani government marginalises the Malay language. Where exactly is this marginalisation? We are prioritising the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and education.

“Compared to previous years, it is evident that more funding and support are now being allocated,” he said.

During the ceremony, Anwar presented the 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 Prize to two recipients - 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”.

All recipients received a cash prize and a certificate of appreciation.

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