LETTERS: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently reminded companies and universities to correspond with government agencies in Bahasa Malaysia, failing which their correspondence will be returned without response.
His announcement took many quarters by surprise considering that this has not been an issue.
His statement could give rise to concerns by foreign investors and others who have to correspond with government agencies.
Bahasa Malaysia holds a special place in the hearts of Malaysians. As the national language, it preserves and promotes the Malaysian identity and national unity.
Encouraging the use of Bahasa Malaysia is essential for preserving our cultural heritage and fostering a sense of belonging.
Moreover, proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia is often a requirement for many jobs, especially in the public sector.
While we celebrate the importance of the national language, it is equally important not to overlook the advantages of English language proficiency.
English is a global lingua franca. English opens doors to international opportunities.
It is the language of business, without which multinational companies may be reluctant to invest here.
In the past, Malaysians were commended for their English proficiency and our ambassadors and heads of departments were often elected as chairmen at international conferences.
As a result, many doors were opened for us on the international stage. Proficiency in English can boost employability and open up career prospects locally and abroad.
English is the predominant language of the Internet and a vast repository of knowledge.
It grants Malaysians access to a wealth of information, research and educational resources.
English allows Malaysians to engage with people from different backgrounds, cultures and languages.
Proficiency in the language can pave the way for Malaysians to pursue higher education in institutions abroad.
The English language is at the forefront of innovation and technology.
Encouraging the use of Bahasa Malaysia while recognising the benefits of English does not mean neglecting one in favour of the other.
It's about striking a balance that allows Malaysians to be proficient in both languages.
Embracing bilingualism is not about choosing one language over the other.
It's about celebrating the richness of our linguistic heritage while preparing for a globally competitive future.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times