KUCHING: Delegates of the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) 15th Triennial General Meeting (TGM) welcomed Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s renewed call for mastery of the English language.
Speaking during the opening ceremony today (Jun 18), Abang Johari asserted that Sarawak had the freedom to use English as an official medium of communication despite recognising Bahasa Malaysia as its official language.
He said Sarawak had the rights and option to use both English and Bahasa Malaysia as its official languages as stated in Article 161(3) of the Federal Constitution.
CONNIE SIGAN (Kakus)
Now we have a growing industrial sector and we need our people, especially the youth, to master their use of English. Not that we forget our native language but it is better for us to know many languages, especially English which is widely used globally. It’s two thumbs up from me for this initiative.
AZIAN HASSAN (Padungan)
This initiative is good. But it needs to be implemented in stages as it is quite time consuming for older people to adjust. It is very good if additional courses or classes are provided for the people because we have been speaking Malay for a long time. This will help us to have better command of the English language.
SYAHRIZZAL ARFANDY ADAM (Asajaya)
What was highlighted by the Premier can indeed be put into practice. It is very good and can be continued to ensure that the use of this global language is well mastered by the people of Sarawak.
MOHD NIZAM MAULANA ZAINI (Batu Lintang)
I agree with what our Premier said because English is a global language and should be used. Although we want to elevate our own language, the time has not yet come. We should also emphasise the use of English among our youth so that it is easier for them to understand the language.
