PETALING JAYA: The government remains committed to ensuring that Bahasa Melayu functions effectively as both a language of instruction and a medium of knowledge in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said, however, students must also master English as a vital second language to remain competitive internationally and the dual focus was necessary to ensure the nation's survival in a globalised world without sidelining the national language.
"We want to promote Bahasa Melayu as a language of instruction and also a language of learning, so that in digital technology and AI, we can also teach in Bahasa Melayu.
"At the same time, we need our youth to enhance the level of proficiency in the English language… for the survival of our children, our sons and daughters in the globalised world," he said in his speech at the Christmas High-Tea reception organised by the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) here Saturday (Dec 13).
Also present was Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusoff.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said parents from all education streams shared a common aspiration for their children to be proficient in both Bahasa Melayu and English.
He added that the government's approach was not a "zero-sum game", but a balanced policy aligned with national priorities and economic realities.
"The level of proficiency of all Malaysians in Bahasa Melayu should be commendable.
"But we must also acknowledge that in this globalised world, where Malaysia is emerging as an important trading nation embarking on new technology, we need to enhance English proficiency not just as an additional subject, but with the aim of mastering it," he said.
On Friday (Dec 12), Anwar said any claims that touch on religious, racial and ethnic sensitivities must take into account the position of the national language as provided for in the Federal Constitution.
He added that as Prime Minister, he would continue to defend and uphold the constitutional position of Bahasa Melayu. - Bernama
