“THAT’S one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
The famous pronouncement by first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, in 1969 describes well the giant leap taken by Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem in making English the official language of the state administration, apart from Bahasa Malaysia.
In advocating for the use of English and its logical progression, he must remain resolute against the furore that may arise.
Beyond adding that English is a universal language of science and communication across the globe, nonetheless, his statement must not be construed and taken out of context to deprive or deny the importance and sanctity of Bahasa Malaysia.
To keep this wonderment alive, we should all show solidarity by supporting his move.
While we may argue in principle that Bahasa Malaysia remains exclusive, the limits of the English language extend to the limits of the world.
It is nobody's special property.
Let us now draw upon our fine command of English.
n BALJIT SINGH GILL,Ipoh, Perak