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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia’s language policy must strike a careful balance between safeguarding the national language and equipping younger generations with the linguistic skills needed to compete internationally, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence and digital technology.
He stressed that Bahasa Melayu must remain the principal medium of instruction and a language of knowledge, including in advanced fields such as digital technology and AI, while English should be firmly strengthened as a crucial second language across the education system.
“I see this as a language policy issue, not merely an issue of Chinese, Malay or English,” Anwar said. “Therefore, I try to ease concerns by emphasising that in Malaysia, we all agree to uphold Bahasa Melayu as the language of instruction and also the language of learning.
“With that, in the field of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI), teaching can also be carried out using Bahasa Melayu, and the level of mastery of the Malay language,” he said.
The Prime Minister was speaking at a Christmas Tea Reception organised by the Federation of Christian Malaysia (CFM), where he underlined that strengthening English proficiency does not undermine the position of the national language.
According to Anwar, Malaysia’s growing role as a trading nation and its push into new technologies demand a workforce that is fluent in English and capable of engaging confidently on the global stage.
“When we accept another reality that in an increasingly globalised world, Malaysia is emerging as an important trading nation and is exploring new technologies including digital transformation, we must ensure that the younger generation improves their level of English proficiency,” he said.
“This effort is not merely about making English an additional subject, but with the aim of ensuring that students truly master the language. English is a very important second language. Therefore, curricula in schools, colleges and universities must be adjusted accordingly,” the Prime Minister added.
Anwar also reiterated that national stability and prosperity can only endure if supported by fair and inclusive policies that leave no room for hatred or extremism to take root.
He made the point earlier at a Christmas Tea gathering with the local community in Petaling Jaya, where he spoke about unity, justice and shared values as the foundation of Malaysia’s progress.
“In my speech, I stressed that despite all differences and complexities, Malaysia remains a peaceful and prosperous country,” he said.
“Malaysia will only move forward if everyone holds firmly to justice, compassion and the principles of humanity, and is brave enough to manage differences fairly and responsibly.
“This is the spirit of MADANI that forms the foundation of the nation’s strength,” he said.
Touching on education policy, Anwar rejected the notion of a ‘zero-sum game’ approach, saying the advancement of one language need not come at the expense of another.
“Bahasa Melayu must remain the national core, alongside the need to master English and to provide space for other languages including Chinese education and the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), or Arabic, without creating anxiety or misunderstanding,” he said.
At the same time, the Prime Minister expressed concern over what he described as a decline in values and morality in politics, society and global leadership.
For that reason, he said religion and belief must not remain mere slogans or symbols, but should serve as a moral conscience that dares to confront corruption, injustice, oppression and the tolerance of prolonged wrongdoing.
“The role of religious leaders and faith-based organisations is very important as dialogue partners and as a moral bulwark for society,” he said.
In support of interfaith harmony and moral development in Malaysia’s multiracial and multireligious society, Anwar announced that the government would allocate RM200,000 to the Federation of Christian Malaysia.
“Therefore, the government is allocating RM200,000 to the Federation of Christian Malaysia to support efforts to foster understanding, inter-religious harmony and the strengthening of moral values in society,” he said. - December 14, 2025