KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, decreed that the national language, Bahasa Malaysia, must continue to be given priority.
“If there are (efforts) to develop a new education system, it must then be done in line with the national education policy and Bahasa Melayu must be the main language as it is our national language,” His Majesty said during his royal address at the opening of the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament yesterday.
Sultan Ibrahim said that any education system in Malaysia seeking recognition must include Bahasa Melayu and Malaysian History.
“If there are quarters that cannot accept Bahasa Melayu, it is best for them not to live in Malaysia,” His Majesty said.
Sultan Ibrahim said the national education system must be strengthened as the foundation for nation-building, national identity and the country’s future.
On Dec 12, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said any calls for recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate and other languages must take into account the fact that Bahasa Malaysia is the country’s national language.
Anwar said the position of the language as contained in the Federal Constitution would continue to be defended and supported.
