Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today reminded all government departments to reject any official letters not written in the official language, Bahasa Melayu.
Speaking during the launch of the National Language Decade carnival and National Reading Decade at the Multimedia University in Cyberjaya today, Anwar said that some parties have a tendency to deny the fundamentals of the Federal Constitution which requires government departments to communicate in Bahasa Melayu.
He asserted,
“I would like to give a reminder (to all government departments), that if they receive a letter from local companies or public and private universities in a language other than the national language, just return it to the sender.”
The Prime Minister further stressed that we should never underestimate the empowerment of culture, language and literature as an integral part of nation-building.
Anwar further said,
“I hope this reminder is duly noted. The directive is clear and the Director-General of Public Service (KPPA) Datuk Dr Zulkapli Mohamed is also here… We shall not entertain any letters written in a language other than the national language.”
He also refuted claims that such an action would make Malaysia narrow-minded as while the use of national language is emphasised, the government doesn’t undermine the importance of English proficiency.
Besides that, Anwar also hoped that reading culture would be revived in our country, especially among children at a young age so that it would develop a passion and not merely for passing examinations.
So, what do you guys think of the statement by the Prime Minister? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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