KUCHING: The ability to speak multiple languages has always been Malaysia’s strength especially to remain competitive in the global market.
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii who said this pointed out that the need to promote the use of national language should not be an excuse to curtail nor discourage the use of another language.
He was commenting on a recent statement by PAS (Malaysian Islamic Party) president Abdul Hadi Awang that said those pushing for English are stuck in colonial mindsets.
“PAS and Hadi Awang’s myopic view on the statement not only exposes how irrelevant PAS is in our modern world, but also dangerous as it will not only further erode our competitive edge in the international market, but also bring us backwards and making sure that we are being left behind even in comparison to our neighbouring countries.
“Those who do not encourage the mastery of multiple languages on top of our national language especially when it is used as international language of business, commerce, science, medicine, diplomacy and many other key areas, are those stuck in the old-age, and should not be allowed to hold positions that influence policies of the nation.
“Those that are promoting such a narrow mindset, are actually trapped in an ‘obsolete-mindset’,” he told New Sarawak Tribune yesterday.
Dr Yii added, many instances, leaders such as them rile up such narrow nationalistic sentiments including on our national language mainly to cover up their own inadequacy in the matter.
Such mindset can also distract the people from real matters affecting them which the government has failed to address, including the rising cost of living and food prices.
Their arguments used to justify their arguments are often flawed and not taking into account recent developments in those countries itself.
“One of the examples is how they often use Japan as a modern country without the need to ‘master English’.
“But fact of the matter is many major companies including the government of Japan have made huge strides to promote the use of English in their daily business,” he added.
Honda followed Nissan’s move to adopt English in 2013 and since 2020, Honda executives cannot be promoted until one passes an English competency test.
In 2016, Mitsubishi Motors also adopted English, partly because it had become part of the expanded Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Motors Alliance.
Similarly, he said tyre manufacturer Bridgestone also adopted English in 2013, the same year as Honda.
Several big Japanese companies outside the manufacturing sector have also adopted English as their main working language, including stock trading platform Rakuten, as well as fashion retailer Uniqlo.
“So, it is concerning that in Malaysia, instead of diversifying and encouraging a greater mastery of multiple languages especially when it comes to English, we seem to be going backwards.
“Our leaders must realise that we live in a competitive, volatile, globalised era, where cross-border partnerships are essential for survival, which also implies the need for multicultural awareness.
“The ability to speak multiple languages has always been Malaysia’s strength especially for us to remain competitive in the global market,” Dr Yii said.
He disclosed, the need to promote the use of national language should not be an excuse to curtail nor discourage the use of another.
