BUKIT MERTAJAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants the Education Ministry to continue strengthening English proficiency among students, especially at the upper secondary level.
English proficiency, he said, was a strong foundation for skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in the digital age and the era of artificial intelligence.
"Master the language well as it determines our ability to compete.
"To remain a competitive nation, especially in new technology fields, you must ensure a strong command of Malay and proficiency in English. This is what we emphasise.
"If we have a strong command of Malay, it does not mean we have to neglect English and if we are good in English, it does not mean we are neglecting the national language," he said in his speech during his visit to High School Bukit Mertajam here today.
In his speech, Anwar also touched on the need for the people to set aside old ideologies that try to divide the people using race and religion.
He said all religions teach good values and love among fellow humankind.
"Which religion teaches us to spread hatred using religion?
"We are all Malaysians, whether we are Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban or Kadazan," he said.
At the event, Anwar also announced RM500,000 allocation for his alma mater.
He also presented contributions to outstanding students of the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia 2023 and six students with disabilities at the event organised by the school alumni.