Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday reminded Malaysia's elite groups not to be overly captivated by the English language at the expense of the National Language, Bahasa Melayu. Speaking at the launch of National Language Month 2024 at the Ipoh Convention Center (ICC), Anwar emphasized the need for a balanced approach to language proficiency, urging Malaysians to embrace both English and the National Language without glorifying one at the expense of the other.

Addressing the audience, which included Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Director-General Hazami Jahari, Anwar expressed concerns about certain groups' obsession with English, which, according to him, sometimes appears excessive.

"I am not suggesting that we reduce the emphasis on or underestimate the importance of English," Anwar clarified. "However, I do not support an attitude that has a phobia toward our own language while glorifying another language, as if our lives, success, and intelligence depend solely on mastering English."

Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister and the Tambun Member of Parliament, reminded the audience that while English proficiency is crucial in today's globalized world, it should not come at the cost of sidelining Bahasa Melayu. He pointed out that some individuals appear to prioritize English to such an extent that it can seem as though their entire success depends on it.

"These individuals might have been raised in London, but I want to remind them that they live in Malaysia and are responsible not only to a small elite group but must also represent the aspirations of all Malaysians," Anwar added, stressing the importance of maintaining national identity and cultural roots.

In his speech, Anwar reiterated the special position of Bahasa Melayu as outlined in the Federal Constitution and the National Education Policy. He noted that while languages ​​such as Chinese and Tamil are important in schools, the focus on these languages ​​should not reduce the emphasis on Bahasa Melayu as the country's national language.

"It is true that I emphasize the need to master English in this challenging world, as well as Chinese, Tamil, Arabic, and other languages," Anwar said. "No advancing country would disregard the major languages ​​of the world."

However, he warned that prioritizing other languages ​​should not lead to the sidelining of Bahasa Melayu, which remains a crucial part of Malaysia's identity and unity.

Anwar also highlighted the need for the private sector to give attention to Bahasa Melayu. He noted that language should not be viewed as a "zero-sum game," where one language's ​​prominence comes at the expense of another.

"Emphasizing the importance of English proficiency, which is necessary and vital in this country, should not sideline or reduce the mastery of Bahasa Melayu as the National Language," Anwar reiterated.

As Malaysia continues to advance on the global stage, the Prime Minister's message underscores the importance of linguistic balance. While mastering global languages ​​like English is critical, Anwar's call is a reminder that Bahasa Melayu remains an integral part of Malaysia's cultural and constitutional framework, deserving respect and attention from all sectors of society.