SERDANG: Malaysians should be encouraged to better their command of the Chinese language – now an economic language of the world, as long as the constitutional status of Bahasa Malaysia is accepted, says the Prime Minister.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Chinese community should not think that they are at the losing end when they give due respect to Bahasa Malaysia.
“The Chinese language is not only a language of the Chinese community but has also become an economic language in Asia and the world.
“Malaysia would be at a loss if we do not give space for the Chinese language to be strengthened while ensuring Bahasa Malaysia is not sidelined,” he said.
The Prime Minister said no one loses out when respect is given to any language or culture.
“No one has denied that this country’s official religion is Islam and the official language is Bahasa Malaysia, and everyone has the right to practise their religion freely and advance their own languages.
“We have been delayed by decades but now we have made the decision that as long as everyone accepts the status of Bahasa Malaysia, do continue studying English or the Chinese language,” he said.
The Prime Minister was speaking at the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) Chinese New Year celebration.
He also called on the Chinese community to focus on the economy and the conscience of the majority of Malaysians who want peace, and not be swayed by the minority who stir trouble.
“Those who stir up trouble and get angry – they are a small group of people. The majority of the people want a peaceful and progressive country that respects all religions and cultures in this country,” he added.
Anwar said Malaysia’s strength lies in the unity of its multiracial society, built on mutual respect for cultural and religious differences, which is a foundation for stability and prosperity.
Huazong president Datuk Lim Kah Chuan in his speech urged the Prime Minister to rein in those with ill intentions and extremist politicians who manipulate the 3R issues.
“We propose that the government gives serious attention to those who attempt to manipulate and undermine harmony, while at the same time, taking firm and uncompromising action against parties involved.
“From the perspective of the Chinese community, we greatly appreciate the government’s concern and allocations to Chinese vernacular primary schools (SJKC), Chinese Independent Secondary Schools, and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR).
“We also propose that the government extend similar attention and funding to three private universities established by the Chinese community – Southern University College, New Era University College, and Han Chiang University College,” he said.
Lim said Huazong is encouraged by the Prime Minister’s recent announcement allowing graduates of Chinese Independent Secondary Schools to apply for admission into public universities using the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).
“We hope the government will ensure public universities have sufficient quotas to accommodate the anticipated demand,” he added.
Lim also applauded Anwar for bringing in substantial foreign investments, driving economic growth, strengthening the ringgit, and enhancing entrepreneurship and the people’s happiness index.
