IPOH: Pakatan Harapan (PH) has assured that the position of Bahasa Melayu as the national language would be upheld and there would be no compromise with any quarters seeking to challenge this.
PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the assurance was made in light of concern by certain parties on the position of Bahasa Melayu after PH took over the Federal Government.
Anwar said all formal activities, whether in the Federal or state levels would still uphold the national language.
"However, we must be open minded if we want to succeed and strengthen our command of the English language," he said.
Commenting on how Mandarin has become an important language in international trade, Anwar advised the public, whether they were Malay, Chinese or Indian, to not discourage their children from learning the language.
"But, Bahasa Melayu (as the national language) there is no compromise...about the language, don't worry," he said when speaking at a buka puasa with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim event in Kampung Manjoi, here, today.
Also present was Perak Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
Anwar said it was important for Malays to master different languages in order to succeed, citing the example of Hang Tuah who was not only a silat proponent but was also known for mastering several languages during his time.
Malaysia, being a multi-racial country, must be just and fair to all of its citizens, regardless of race and religion, Anwar added.
At the same time, he said the government would not let the Malays feel pressured as this would create an unharmonious environment in the country.
"So, our responsibility is to take care of the interests of all parties and we do not want to be a Malay government that oppresses because justice is not meant for (Malays) Muslims only, but for everyone," he said.
"Muslims who are evil rulers and are corrupt will not only earn disrespect by other races but by Muslims themselves," he added.