Making a point: Fadhlina delivering her speech during the launch. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
ETHNIC languages in Malaysia are not only vital for cultural preservation but also serve as a key tool for national unity and character-building, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
She said while the Malaysia Education Blueprint continues to empower ethnic languages, it is equally important to consider students’ engagement with these initiatives through the new 2027 school curriculum and education development strategies.
“One of the key objectives of the new curriculum is character-building. I hope all stakeholders will actively embrace this theme.
“Students possess strong values and respect for language, which should be shared with other communities and peers,” she said during her speech at the Khalsa Diwan Malaysia launch of the digitalisation roadmap for the teaching and learning of Punjabi in Malaysia on Dec 16.
Fadhlina also said she hopes to explore the possibility of engaging with teacher training institutes to train teachers and create opportunities to introduce Punjabi language education at the primary school level, emphasising the importance of nurturing the language from an early age.
“We should explore this together and see how we can successfully implement it collectively. There is also a need to consider Punjabi in the same context as other ethnic languages, especially since it has been spoken in Malaysia for so long,” she said, adding that there is a strong level of commitment to supporting such initiatives.
She expressed her appreciation for the efforts made, particularly in ensuring that the Punjabi language remains an integral part of preserving the nation’s culture and heritage, and securing the future of children in the country.
“In the context of Khalsa Diwan Malaysia and education unity, my colleagues have shown a strong understanding of how we should lead education, recognising that one of the most important issues in nation-building is unity,” she added.
She also said the focus of education must return to the fundamentals for children, giving priority to key languages – Bahasa Malaysia, English and other languages.
She urged consideration for future generations, noting that the current generation of leaders must prepare children for their own era.
“This responsibility involves equipping them with the skills and values they will need, and being willing to experiment with new approaches to ensure they are ready for the challenges ahead,” she said.
Meanwhile, Khalsa Diwan Malaysia president Jaginder Singh Raipatti thanked the Education Ministry for its cooperation in ensuring that the Punjabi language remains relevant within the national education system.
He described the organisation’s extensive programmes spanning 11 states, offering Punjabi language education to nearly 1,700 students, with consistent participation and examination results that demonstrate the programme’s effectiveness.
“Over the years, federal and state governments have provided financial support to cover part of the operational costs.
“This collaboration has been essential for the continued delivery and expansion of Punjabi language education,” he said, reinforcing the value of partnership between civil society and the government in promoting education and cultural preservation.
At the event, Fadhlina announced an RM20,000 contribution to support Khalsa Diwan Malaysia’s programmes.
She said the funds are intended to empower existing programmes aimed at developing Punjabi language education.
“The ministry is pleased to contribute RM20,000.
“Future funding could be increased from time to time based on the programme’s impact on the community,” she said.
