KUCHING: The state government’s stance is that while it is mandatory to implement Bahasa Malaysia (BM) in schools as the national language, the younger generation must also be encouraged to master English, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“We cannot deny the fact that the language of technology is the international language — English,” he said when officiating at an International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2020 closing ceremony at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here on Wednesday.
He therefore emphasised the state government’s position on the importance of English in its education system.
He pointed out that all the panellists and presenters at IDECS 2020 had spoken in English, and if one was not fluent in English, the subject matter could not be comprehended.
“We have to encourage our people to master English; that is why our education system for Sarawak has to be flexible if we want to be ahead in digital economy,” he said.
On another matter, Abang Johari expressed confidence that Sarawak would be able to combat Covid-19 if its people were healthy and the environment was well protected.
He used the orangutan as a symbol, explaining that its habitat was very much linked to the environment.
“We have the orangutan which is surrounded by good environment, which will lead to healthy living.
“With this good environment and healthy living, our immunity system will be strong and we can fight the virus. That is the strength that we should have,” he emphasised.
