BENTONG, Jan 22 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysians to stop prolonged arguments over language issues and focus on building a more competitive and united future for children.
He said the government’s multilingual approach in education is not meant to undermine Bahasa Melayu’s status as the national and official language, but to strengthen unity and provide students with equal opportunity to master multiple languages.
According to him, the ability to speak more than one language is an important asset to face global challenges and enhance the younger generation’s competitiveness without compromising national identity.
“We no longer want endless inter-ethnic disputes over language. Our priority is to improve the quality of life and secure the future of our children.
“They need to be ready to compete for work not only within the country, but across Asia and globally. That is why language, Science, Mathematics, digital skills and artificial intelligence (AI) must be mastered from the early stages of schooling,” he said.
He said this during a gathering with the Chinese community at SJKC Perting here today. Also present were Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, and Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman.
Anwar said efforts to improve education quality should be seen as a national agenda that transcends ethnic differences, with all quarters focusing on school improvements, teacher training and the provision of adequate facilities.
He also said differing opinions on education can be discussed maturely, but the main focus should be on making education a unifying tool and a driver of national progress.
Anwar also announced the approval of RM13.5 million for improvement projects and additional facilities at SJKC Perting, with RM300,000 having been immediately approved for preliminary work.
He said the allocation is part of preparations for the voluntary entry of five-year-olds into preschool and six-year-olds into Year One from next year.
“I hope all parties — school administrators, teachers, parents and the local community — continue to support this school so it can serve as an example for other schools,” Anwar said.
The allocation is meant for a new six-classroom block for the Integrated Special Education Programme (PPKI) and one classroom for the Integrated Preschool at SJKC Perting.
