PM Anwar says Bahasa Melayu must be prioritised as official language under Constitution before discussing UEC recognition or English proficiency.
LANGKAWI: Any claims touching on religious, racial and ethnic sensitivities must account for the constitutional position of the national language, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He stated that the principle in the Federal Constitution regarding Bahasa Melayu’s position will continue to be defended and supported.
“Lately, there have been various demands regarding language, some want to emphasise English, some want recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC),” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Nur al-Hidayah Mosque in Kuah.
“I want to explain this, this is Malaysia. The Malay language is the official language and whoever is trying to bring the message of a language, must remember that the official language, which is the Malay language, must be elevated as the language of knowledge that is mastered by all Malaysians.”
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the dignity of Bahasa Melayu must be elevated in line with the Constitution and its mastery strengthened among the people.
He said only after these principles are implemented can proposals to strengthen other languages or recognise UEC be forwarded.
“If this is clear, to raise the issue of the need to increase the use of English, I agree. But Bahasa Melayu, the language of new technology, the language of AI, the language for knowledge, must be strengthened,” he said.
He stressed that mastery of Malay must be good among all people across all streams.
“I don’t care about Chinese, Tamil, English, they must master the Malay language and this is also the condition we impose on international schools…they can use English as a medium but they must pass and master Bahasa Melayu.”
Anwar said any proposal focusing on one language or race while omitting discussion on the main language leads to problems.
He reminded any party submitting language-related proposals to comply with constitutional principles prioritising Bahasa Melayu mastery.
The statement follows reports that DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming would meet the Prime Minister regarding UEC recognition.
