BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 6 February 2025 - The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), through the National Innovation Agency (Public Organisation) or NIA,
The article from Sin Chew Daily discusses the ongoing debate over the use of English in Malaysia, particularly in the context of education and national identity. It highlights the tension between maintaining Bahasa Malaysia as the national language and the practical necessity of English for global communication and economic advancement. The piece mentions that while there is a push to enhance English proficiency among Malaysians to stay competitive internationally, there are concerns about the potential erosion of cultural identity and the status of Bahasa Malaysia. Various stakeholders, including educators, politicians, and the public, have differing views, with some advocating for a bilingual approach in education, while others fear that too much emphasis on English might undermine the national language. The article also touches on the historical context of language policy in Malaysia, reflecting on past decisions and their implications for today's linguistic landscape.