LETTERS: Falling English proficiency in our country seems to be a "forever" problem.
There was a time when we had foreign teachers to help out, but the issue persists.
However, it is not much of a problem in Sarawak.
Under Article 161 of the Federal Constitution, Sarawak is allowed the use of both Bahasa Melayu and English as its official languages.
This is perhaps why the people of Sarawak can effectively communicate in both languages.
In India, English is freely used in Parliament and in the courts, so much so that it is no surprise that the chief executive officers of top multinationals in the United States are of Indian origin.
Another way of looking at English proficiency is the adage "use it or lose it". In order to enhance proficiency in a function, you must practise it regularly.
For example, a surgeon has to carry out many operations to remain relevant.
It is for these reasons that we should take the bull by the horns, so to speak, and make English the second official language of the country.
DR A SOORIAN
Seremban, Negri Sembilan
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times