Why is mastering multiple languages crucial for Malaysian students today?

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Mastering multiple languages is crucial because it can coexist with Bahasa Melayu as Malaysia’s “language of knowledge” while also improving students’ English proficiency for international standing.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said learning other languages should not be treated as something that lowers the importance of Bahasa Melayu. He described Bahasa Melayu as a government priority for all students, while also saying Malaysia needs stronger English proficiency to stand alongside international counterparts. Anwar added that students should be given room to learn other languages such as Mandarin, Tamil, French, or Russian without undermining Bahasa Melayu.
Bahasa Melayu remains a priority while other languages are added
Anwar said ensuring all students master Bahasa Melayu as the “language of knowledge” is a priority for his administration. He explicitly framed multilingual learning as something that can run in parallel with Bahasa Melayu rather than replacing or downgrading it. He also said he has spent his life uplifting Bahasa Melayu, while arguing for openness to learning additional languages.
Malaysia’s push for stronger English proficiency is part of the goal
Anwar linked multilingual learning to Malaysia’s need to strengthen English proficiency. He said this is aimed at helping Malaysia “stand tall with its international counterparts,” placing English among the languages students should be able to master. In his remarks at the Education Ministry’s monthly assembly, he treated improving English ability as a key part of the broader language focus.
Students are encouraged to have space to learn languages like Mandarin, Tamil, French and Russian
Anwar asked why students could not be given room to master other languages, naming Mandarin, Tamil, French, and Russian as examples. His position was that this kind of language learning should not be interpreted as looking down on Bahasa Melayu. He presented multilingual learning as inclusive and open rather than a trade-off.
International schools are being pushed to emphasise Bahasa Melayu and History
Anwar said his administration has also pushed international schools to place stronger emphasis on Bahasa Melayu and History, which he said had been overlooked in some institutions. This aligns with his broader message that learning other languages should not come at the expense of Bahasa Melayu. He said these schools should give more attention to Bahasa Melayu and History as part of the education approach.

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Why is mastering multiple languages crucial for Malaysian students today?

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