I CONGRATULATE Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem for making English the second official language of the state, stating that it is “only realistic” and that “as long as we are on Earth, we must learn and master English”. For good measure, he added: “Even those living in Mongolia have to learn English.”
The Johor Sultan had previously said that he supported the use of English as the medium of instruction in schools as it would bring about rapid progress and prosperity to the people.
These two prominent sons of Malaysia are truly visionaries who are down to earth in our modern era of globalisation.
They have the foresight to see that although English may not be the most spoken language in the world, it is, nevertheless, the official language of many countries; the number of people using English in cross-border business communication on a regular basis amounts to over two billion!
It is pathetic to learn that here, even doctors resign from their jobs because they are not fluent in the English language.
We are trying to bring in English teachers from abroad, including from India, but nothing can beat making English another official language to enhance our people’s command of the lingo, as constant usage is the key to achieving this objective.
“Use it or lose it” is the mantra, because if you don’t continue to practise or use a skill, you are likely to lose it.
For example, if you don’t drive a car every now and then, you would likely lose that skill.
The world’s blockbuster movies, books and music are published and produced in English.
Most of the Internet’s content is in English. So, mastering English will open the window to an incredible wealth of information and knowledge.
English poses no threat to Bahasa Malaysia. As we see today, in Bahasa Malaysia, many English words are incorporated into the language with gay abandon.
Therefore, using both languages alongside one another can complementary and lead to greater ways of expression.
By making this bold move, Sarawak will save millions of ringgit by eliminating the need for international schools.
Also, Sarawak will no longer be one of the poorest states in Malaysia.
Sarawak will now see a boost in developments culturally and materially so that it can compete with the best in the world.
We hope in due course, as suggested by the Johor Sultan, Sarawak will promote its education system to one where English is the medium of instruction in all schools with a compulsory credit-pass in Bahasa Malaysia.
n
Dr A. Soorian,
Seremban, Negri Sembilan