What does it matter if you can speak two or more languages if you have nothing original to say in any language?
– Jarod Kintz, author
Our lives – perhaps not for all but certainly for a significant number of us – are going to turn topsy-turvy yet again! All because some politicians and leaders in this country have the penchant for making U-turn decisions and policies.
Let’s recall what PMX Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said recently:
“I would like to give a reminder (to all government departments), that if they receive a letter from local companies or public and private universities in a language other than the national language, just return it to the sender.
“…I hope this reminder is duly noted. The directive is clear, and the director-general of Public Service Datuk Dr Zulkapli Mohamed is also here…that we shall not entertain any letters written in a language other than the national language.”
Anwar, who was speaking at the opening of the National Language Decade carnival and National Reading Decade in Cyberjaya on Oct 25, noted that there was a tendency by certain quarters to “deny the fundamentals of the Federal Constitution which require them to communicate with government departments in the national language”.
First and foremost, let me make it very clear here that I support Bahasa Melayu as the national language which is clearly defined under Article 152 of the Federal Constitution, and I agree that the directive, as explained by Anwar, “will not make Malaysia narrow-minded because the government does not undermine the importance of English proficiency”.
What worked me up is the fact that every time a new leader comes into power or new ministers are appointed, they will introduce new directives or make U-turn policies which would confuse the rakyat.
Yes, Bahasa Melayu was introduced as the main language of political, social, and economic communication aimed at national political unity and stability in multiracial Malaysia. Past leaders since the era of the first prime minister have argued that a single national language will contribute to political stability and national unity.
Well, after 66 years the reality is that Malaysians – Malays, Chinese, Indian, Iban, Bidayuh, Kadazan-Dusun, Melanau, Eurasians, and many other smaller ethnic groups – are as divided as ever! So, let’s not kid ourselves that we are united. We are NOT!
While the national language is doing its very best, and trying as hard as it could, to unite multireligious and multiracial Malaysia, don’t forget that the politicians are trying ‘equally as hard’ too to keep us disunited for their political expediency through some of their divisive directives and policies.
Politicians should not exploit the national language issue to cover up their leadership and political shortcomings, or even to extend their stranglehold on power. These leaders are not sincere.
Back to Anwar’s directive. We are facing economic and social issues; wouldn’t it be proper to give priority to resolving these problems before reviewing our use of the national language?
As respected social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye rightfully said recently: “Make no mistake. Bahasa Melayu is our national language as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, and it is being used most effectively in education, in the courts, in social environments and in business. Proficiency in the language has reached such a high level that it is often the language of choice even in non-official communication.
“On the other hand, the use of English has declined everywhere. In schools, universities in group discussions and elsewhere, it is the standard of English that is declining. It therefore makes sense now to upgrade our English language proficiency.”
Lee argued that English is still the language of international commerce, tourism, diplomacy and technology. English need not be downgraded to upgrade the national language.
“Instead, we should upgrade both. Indeed, we are living in an age when multilingualism should be encouraged. So, let’s continue to strengthen our use of the national language while also upgrading our standard of English. One does not have to be at the expense of the other.”
Yes Sir, couldn’t agree with you more. Most of my family members are multilingual (though I am the odd one out – speaking only English, local Malay and Bahasa Melayu). The rest speak English and Bahasa Malaysia (of course) and mother tongue Tamil (including Hindi), Mandarin, local Malay, Iban and Hokkien.
Our parents insisted we master as many languages as possible to “stay ahead of the others”. We are grateful to them.
Coming back to Anwar again. It’s reassuring that Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohd Abu Bakar Marzuki, in an immediate reaction to the prime minister’s directive or ‘reminder’, clarified that the Sarawak civil service can continue to use English in official communication.
He said Sarawak will not follow the ‘reminder’ and that it does not apply to the state.
Hopefully, federal departments in the state will take note. Let’s hope Little Napoleons don’t make life hard for us.
Putrajaya needs to understand that Sarawak is in a special position as English remains an official language after Bahasa Melayu which still gets top priority, unlike in Malaya where the National Language Act 1963/1967 specifically says that Bahasa Melayu is the sole language for official purposes.
Politicians in Malaya need to be sensitive of the multiracial and multireligious composition of Sarawak and Sabah before making decisions and statements that could disrupt harmony. Remember, we helped to form Malaysia.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
