English not to be denied
IREFER to the very down to earth, interesting and thought-provoking article “Knowledge is power and power is success” ( Sunday Star, March 18). As a concerned citizen, PPSMI supporter, and forward-thinking father, I wish to pen my thoughts of the importance of English in nation-building and to give my moral support to PAGE Malaysia for the most wonderful and meritorious job it has carried out so far in the longterm interest and well-being of this great country Malaysia.
Malaysia is today one of the most successful and vibrant economies in Asia. It is also one of the most peaceful nations in the world despite it’s multi-racial characteristics.
For generations, it’s people of different racial origins have been living and working together in harmony and mutual respect, thus the nation’s stability and prosperity.
There is no doubt that English played an important role in nation-building. Malaysia is what it is today because of our forefathers’ ability to use English to negotiate independence from the British, communicate with the international community, gain knowledge and ideas to advance the country, and attract foreign investment and visitors and students.
Sadly, the same cannot be said of the present generation and students as the majority are struggling with English, both spoken and written.
Their inability to be conversant in English will cost the nation dearly in the long term, and the Government and society at large are to be blamed if the people do not take English seriously.
Bad English is laughable, but it is not a laughing matter especially in medical, construction, air travel, engineering and diplomacy and at international conferences, meetings and forums.
It pains my heart to note how our young politicians, lecturers, graduates, and professionals struggle when trying to communicate in English with the rest of the world.
They simply lack the competence, confidence, fluency and skills in English. How are they to lead, run and manage the affairs of the country when their time comes?
How do they face the international community in this very challenging and complex world with their poor command of English? Are our future leaders to be solely dependent on translators all the time?
English is the international language for science, maths, air travel, research, commerce and finance, and diplomacy. Like it or not, English is here to stay, we can never take this all-important language for granted.
As patriotic and caring Malaysians, we must really sit down and think hard and seriously about the future of English in his country and how we can all make good and full use of it to ensure the nation’s well-being in view of the very competitive environment we are facing, as countries like Vietnam and Cambodia are opening up and catching up with us.
It is the duty of the Government to provide the best in all fields to its people, especially in the field of education. And the Government can do that by bringing English back and justifying its position as a most effective tool for us to develop and prosper.
Without doubt, English has a very important and influential role to play in this country for ourselves, our children, our children’s children and forever.
English is not to be denied and ignored, the sooner we know and acknowledge this fact the better it is for everyone.
DAVID TIH, Malacca.