‘Proficiency in BM, English still a top priority for Sarawakians’
KUCHING: Children are highly encouraged to master as many languages as they can, but the emphasis must still be on having good command of English apart from the national language, Bahasa Malaysia.
According to Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, mastering the English language is one way for the children to secure a brighter future, particularly when it comes to seeking jobs.
He said one could not deny the importance of learning English as many countries identify competency in that language as key to opening the doors to education and training, employment prospects, as well as to global trade, commerce and industries.
“How can we survive in the world nowadays if we do not understand or realise the importance of mastering the (English) language? Parents should start realising this now,” he said at a dinner hosted by the Malay community of Kampung Siol Kandis in a hotel here on Saturday.
Fadillah, who is Petra Jaya MP, said the same also applies to those wanting or choosing to be self- employed – in other words, running their own business.
He observed that as the world now shifts to the digital form of trade (e- commerce) in line with the digital economy vision, the majority of players strive to acquire communication skills including the ability to speak and write in English.
“The technological advancements have challenged and disrupted the traditional business models and subsequently, accelerated the socioeconomic growth of numerous countries. If we cannot communicate with people from other countries, then there’s no way for our economy to develop further,” he said.
The state’s fifth chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem made the decision in November 2015 to adopt English as the second official language in the state, apart from Bahasa Malaysia. The move, Adenan said, was to enhance English competency among Sarawakians.
The former chief minister, during an event late 2015, said there was nothing wrong about being proficient in English, in that it was the language of science, literature, technology, business, research, communications and international relations.
His successor, Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg also assured that he would continue to uphold Adenan’s English policy.
“Our education system is still open. In Sarawak, our English is still good. That’s why Tok Nan (Adenan) had highlighted that English would also be the official language in Sarawak.”