SUNGAI SIPUT: The government has agreed to provide additional opportunities in teacher training institutions to train teachers in Tamil and Chinese languages, in addition to the national language.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this move aims to enable more teachers in these languages to be trained by the Education Ministry and sent to schools that need them.
Anwar added that these teachers could also be assigned to national primary or secondary schools with Tamil and Chinese students who wish to master their mother tongues.
"This policy does not conflict with the national policy. That is why there is a need for a clear commitment from the Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Sabah and Sarawak communities regarding the national language.
"Furthermore, the ministry and the government should respond by providing space in schools for parents or students who choose to continue studying the Tamil language at the secondary school-level.
"If the numbers are sufficient, we will train the teachers. This is the policy," he said in his speech at the opening of SJKT Heawood here today.
Also present were Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Anwar said the government would always strive to improve the quality of education in schools, which includes enhancing the use of the national language.
"We need to ensure that Indian, Chinese, Malay, Iban, and Kadazan children all master Bahasa Melayu, as it is the national language.
"At the same time, we should also enhance the quality of the Tamil language in Tamil schools and the Chinese language in Chinese schools. If others wish to master languages like Arabic, French, or German, that is permitted. There is no issue.
"However, in our country, language proficiency is very important," he said adding that teachers in Tamil or Chinese schools should not overlook the importance of language mastery.
Anwar said he wants everyone to be able to communicate well with one another.
"Before independence, our forefathers agreed to use the national language. Additionally, we also agreed to enhance language proficiency. What harm is there in that?
"If many people master the Tamil language, and many master the Chinese language, it benefits our country and respects the rights of all citizens to choose to master their mother tongue.
"This is our principle, and I hope this doesn't require much further discussion but rather that we focus on implementing it," he said.
Anwar said there be any requests from community associations to the government, they should be made politely.
"Do not be swayed by the sentiments of extreme individuals. I want to say that if we entertain extremism, we will face problems.
"Each community, every district, every village I visit, and every state I go to—indeed, the list of demands increases. So, I have no issue if requests are raised, as long as they are discussed properly.
"That is why we must take the middle path and negotiate properly. If there are disagreements, let's discuss them and create space for everyone to express their views," he said.