Martabatkan BM bukan bermakna sisih bahasa lain

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim addressed the Merdeka Milestone Friendship Madani Summit 2026 at UiTM Permatang Pauh today. (Picture Bernama) The Prime Minister emphasized that efforts to recognize the Malay language as the official language of the nation should not be seen as a move to sideline other languages. He stated that every citizen, regardless of background, should master the national language well, yet at the same time, proficiency in other languages such as English, Mandarin, and Tamil must continue to be strengthened to expand educational and economic opportunities.

"We also know that English is the language that is developing as an important language in the world, so our system must accept, not replace Malay but complement it," he said when speaking at the Merdeka Milestone Friendship Madani Summit 2026 at UiTM Permatang Pauh today. He further explained that proficiency in Mandarin is becoming increasingly important given its status as one of the main economic languages in the region, while the public is also interested in improving their Tamil skills.

"It's not a zero-sum game. I encourage children to master the Chinese language as long as their proficiency in Malay is sufficient. Learning languages in this region does not harm," he said. "Ensuring one's own interests and future is a necessity for economic development. It is not done by sacrificing the importance of the English language; on the contrary, to provide wider opportunities for increasing and developing your potential."

He reminded the people not to sow the seeds of animosity between communities because national harmony cannot be taken for granted without consistent efforts to maintain unity. He stressed the need for the spirit of sharing, respecting, and helping, which should be applied so that every citizen, regardless of background, can benefit from national development inclusively.