To have another language is to possess a second soul.
– Charlemagne, first Holy Roman Emperor
A few weeks ago, the silly season started again regarding the language issues. We are now back to the issue of using the English Language.
Some prefer the regressive approach. Some politicians and their pliant policymakers are more or less asking Malaysians to abandon the use of the English language. This is akin to crawling back under the coconut shell.
Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia, recently called for the Public Service Department to consider taking punitive measures to enforce the use of Bahasa Malaysia in the civil service. This has triggered a flurry of responses.
In a world where English is used as a universal language in finance and business, by international agencies and forums, academia and research, it is advantageous to have fluent English-speaking Malaysian representatives who take care of our nation’s interests.
If some form of punitive action is taken against civil servants and staff in government-connected agencies, the fear of using English would further turn an already beleaguered and bureaucratic institution into a more ineffective arm of the government.
On the other hand, others have a much broader and more strategic mindset with a progressive approach to using English as a tool. This approach will allow Malaysia to stand up and be part of the international community.
We are fortunate that in Sarawak, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has made it very clear many times that his government recognises the use of English and will continue to do so.
In fact, he is a strong advocate of the use of the English language. He has even gone to the extent of setting up international schools with English as a medium of instruction. This is indeed taking an open-minded and strategic approach to developing Sarawak.
Abang Johari’s approach will attract more international companies to set up bases and operations in Sarawak. This would allow better job opportunities for Sarawakians and enhance the state’s economy.
This drive to improve English usage is not being done at the expense of Bahasa Malaysia. It is in addition to the National Language, which is still of prime importance to us.
To the detractors of using English, we need to look at the issue from the global perspective and various other positive points.
We are part of the global economy and are interdependent on each other. We cannot afford to take an isolationist approach.
If our citizens are conversant in two or more languages, it benefits our nation. Our citizens need to be fluent in as many languages as possible as this will help us stay ahead of many countries in an open and competitive business environment.
In addition, a katak di bawah tempurung (someone who doesn’t know what’s happening around them) approach by the federal government will not help our citizens get jobs.
Our citizens need skills and tools to have jobs and run businesses to survive in this cut and thrust of the real-world economic environment. The English language is only just one of these tools.
Trying to turn our people and civil service into a monolingual society will not be helpful to Malaysia.
I would like to clarify that just because some support the use of the English language does not mean they are against the use of the Malay language. Putting down another person’s language is abhorrent as we all love our own language.
The attempt to create an ‘us’ versus ‘them’ divide is being pursued by some who wish to garner support for political reasons as well.
It could be speculated that those who support the marginalisation of the English language are only making known their own insecurity about their incompetency in English.
I would say that if they lack competency in English in such circumstances, by all means, use Bahasa Malaysia. But there is no need to prevent others who are fluent from using English. We have leaders who can hardly string words together in decent English.
Many of you, I am sure, have seen a video clip of Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin speaking eloquently at a recent international forum. His command of English and knowledge of the topic projected a positive image of Malaysia. Others should emulate him.
No matter which language we prefer, we need to use the language to espouse unity and peace. It is of no use to be highly proficient in a language but use it for malicious purposes and to divide and rule the people.
Therefore, use it to do good for all, no matter what language you are using or championing.
In other words, mind your language. Once uttered, harmful words are difficult to retract and can cause untold misery and harm.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
