Education

Anwar: Mastering Bahasa Melayu top priority, English Second and Chinese Third

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today clarified his stance on language policy, insisting Bahasa Melayu (BM) must remain the priority as the national language and language of knowledge, while strongly encouraging proficiency in English and Mandarin.

Speaking at a Christmas high-tea hosted by the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) in Petaling Jaya, Anwar rejected the notion of a “zero-sum game” in language mastery. “Number one Bahasa Melayu, number two English and number three Chinese, including the UEC,” he said, addressing recent controversy over his remarks on UEC recognition.

Mastering Bahasa Melayu

Anwar suggested universities offer some subjects in Mandarin to better compete with China economically. He emphasised multilingualism would enhance Malaysian youth’s global competitiveness.

The Prime Minister also announced a RM200,000 allocation to CFM for programmes promoting moral values and multicultural understanding. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof joined him at the event.

Business News

Table of Contents

News Malaysia and Global

Read More News on Latest Malaysia

Read More News on Business News Malaysia

Read More News on SG Business News

Read More News on World Future TV

Read More News #latestmalaysia

Staff Writer

Recent Posts

Malaysia Exports Hit Record High as Trade Outlook Remains Uncertain

Malaysia’s exports reached a record high in May 2026, supported by manufacturing and E&E strength,…

21 minutes ago

Malaysia Inflation Inches Higher as CPI Reaches 2.0% in May

Malaysia’s inflation rose to 2.0% in May 2026, while core inflation remained stable, reinforcing expectations…

1 hour ago

VS Industry Slips Into Loss as Weak Orders Pressure Earnings

VS Industry posted a 3QFY26 loss amid weaker customer orders and soft consumer sentiment, prompting…

2 hours ago

Malaysia Airports Records 7.9 Million Passengers in May

Malaysia Airports reported 7.9 million passenger movements in May, indicating continued recovery in air travel…

3 hours ago

Malaysia’s Automotive Sales Drop 15% in May

Malaysia’s total industry volume (TIV) for the automotive sector fell 15% month-on-month to 61,250 units…

4 hours ago

Bursa Malaysia Seen Range-Bound, Ringgit May Weaken Amid Global Uncertainties

Bursa Malaysia is expected to remain range-bound while the ringgit may soften amid Fed rate…

19 hours ago

This website uses cookies.