Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently stressed the necessity of mastering a second or third language, saying that Malaysians should not fear the promotion of other languages besides Bahasa Malaysia in secondary schools.
Accordingly, he urges a review of the current requirements set for Tamil to be taught as an additional language in secondary schools to make it more accessible to students.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
As reported by BERNAMA, Anwar will discuss with Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek for a relaxation of the current conditions requiring a minimum of 15 students for a Tamil language class to be held.
Instead, necessary adjustments should be made so that the minimum number should be at least 9 students. Speaking at the 11th International Tamil Research Conference at University Malaya (UM) yesterday (22 July), Anwar asserted,
“In schools around the world, like the United States and China, people encourage students to master two or more languages which means in this case for Indian students, to master Bahasa Melayu, English and Tamil.
“I think it’s an advantage for Malaysia to have students who master more languages… Can you imagine the New Malaysia (in which) there is proficiency in the national language, with students mastering English and a significant number mastering Tamil, Chinese or Arabic languages (as well),”
For illustration purposes
Anwar further elaborated that mastering multiple languages is Malaysia’s strength as only a few countries have that level of competency, adding that this should make Malaysians proud.
So, what do you guys think of the statement by the Prime Minister? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Also read: PM Anwar: Govt to Buy 40 Starlink Internet Devices For Use in Schools, Universities
