IPOH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today reminded the nation's elite groups against being overly enamoured with the English language to the detriment of the National Language.
Anwar said there are situations where certain groups are too enthusiastic and obsessed with English, which sometimes comes across as excessive.
"I am not suggesting that we reduce the emphasis on or underestimate the importance of English.
"However, I do not support an attitude that has a phobia toward our own language while glorifying another language, as if our lives, success, and intelligence depend solely on mastering English.
"These individuals might have been raised in London, but I want to remind them that they live in Malaysia and are responsible not only to a small elite group but must also represent the aspirations of all Malaysians," he said.
The Tambun Member of Parliament said this in his speech at the launch of National Language Month 2024 at the Ipoh Convention Centre (ICC) here today.
Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Director-General Hazami Jahari.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, also reminded that emphasising any particular language should not be a "zero-sum game" that sidelines Bahasa Melayu as the National Language.
He said the use of other languages, such as Chinese and Tamil, in schools should not reduce the focus on Bahasa Melayu, which holds a special position under the Federal Constitution and the National Education Policy.
Anwar added that similar attention should also be given in the private sector.
"It is true that I emphasise the need to master English in this challenging world, as well as Chinese, Tamil, Arabic, and other languages. No advancing country would disregard the major languages of the world.
"However, this is not a zero-sum game. Emphasizing the importance of English proficiency, which is necessary and vital in this country, should not sideline or reduce to master Bahasa Melayu as the National Language," he added.