TAIPING: The Education Ministry will ensure that every school organises the Empower National Language Programme (Semarak Bahasa Kebangsaan) to ensure students master the Malay language.
Deputy Minister Wong Kah Woh said for national month and Malaysia Day, all schools should hold such programmes.
"Malay is the national language. It is our responsibility to elevate and dignify the language."
He said this at a press conference after launching the Empower National Language Programme at SJK(C) Pokok Assam today.
"The ministry and Housing and Local Government Ministry introduced this programme so that the community, especially children, can strengthen their Malay."
He said Malaysia is a unique country, comprising people from different races and religions.
"This diversity is our strength. Many say that we can't unite because of our many races and religions, but I don't believe that is true.
"Compared with other countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Indonesia, none of them have as many races and religions and live as peacefully and comfortably as we do.
"This is the spirit of unity we want. This spirit is also evident when our athletes, such as Lee Zii Jia and Datuk Azizulhasni Awang, compete at the Olympics. Malaysians from all backgrounds root for them."
Wong said the programme can strengthen the spirit of unity and move the country forward.
"This is an annual programme and should be held at all ministry institutions, whether Sekolah Kebangsaan, Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina, Tamil or others."