The Housing and Local Government Minister, Nga Kor Ming, said that despite being a product of a Chinese school, he is satisfied with the fluency of his Bahasa Melayu.
“I am a product of Chinese school. Up until today, I am still learning Chinese, but I feel my Bahasa Melayu ability is at a satisfactory level.”
On Monday (19 January), His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, decreed that Bahasa Malaysia, the national language, must continue to receive priority during his royal address at the opening of the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament.
Speaking to the media today (20 January), Kor Ming stressed that the dignity of the Malay language must continue to be elevated, while simultaneously strengthening mastery of other languages such as English and Chinese.
“Because diversity is the strength of our country. Let’s never lose that competitive advantage.”
He said efforts to strengthen languages need to be mobilised comprehensively across the government and public service sectors, in line with the aspiration of building a versatile and competitive society.
“I can speak six languages.”
He said that mastery of multiple languages is not only a personal advantage, but the Malay language should continue to be strengthened to ensure that Malaysia’s competitiveness remains high on the global stage.
“Mastering multiple languages is the strength of our country. I myself can speak six languages. Even so, I am among the less intelligent, I am sure there are more people who are smarter,” he said, but did not elaborate on the six languages that he speaks.
What do you think of his take on this matter?
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