Building bridges: Anwar greeting members of the public at a get-together with the Chinese community at SJK(C) Perting. — Bernama
BENTONG: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for an end to prolonged bickering over language issues to create a more competitive and united future for Malaysian children.
The Prime Minister said the government’s multilingual education approach is not to undermine the status of Bahasa Malaysia as the national and official language, but to strengthen national unity and provide all students with equal opportunities to master multiple languages.
He said the ability to speak more than one language is an asset in facing global challenges and enhancing the competitiveness of the young generation, without compromising national identity.
“We no longer want endless inter-ethnic disputes over language. Our priority is to improve the quality of life and secure the future of our children.
“They need to be ready to compete for work not only within the country, but across Asia and globally. Languages, science, mathematics, digital skills and AI must be mastered from the early stages of schooling,” he said at a gathering with the Tionghua community at SJK(C) Perting here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Anwar said improving education quality is a national agenda that transcends ethnic differences, with all parties focusing on school improvements, teacher training and provision of adequate facilities.
He said differences of opinion on education can be discussed maturely, but the main focus should not stray from the goal of making education a unifying tool and driver of national progress.
Anwar also announced RM13.5mil in funding for improvement projects and additional facilities at SJKC Perting, with RM300,000 approved immediately to enable preliminary work to begin.
He said the allocation is part of preparations for the voluntary entry of five and six-year-olds into preschool and Year One starting next year.
“I hope all parties, school administrators, teachers, parents and the local community continue to support this school so it can serve as an example to other schools,” he added.
The allocation is for a six-classroom block for the Integrated Special Education Programme and classrooms for the Integrated Preschool at SJKC Perting.
Also present were Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman.
