SIBU: The state government’s move to encourage more usage of English Language should be seen in a positive light as it is intended to make the future generations more competitive and able to face challenges.
Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Electricity and Telecommunications) Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi, who stated this yesterday, said knowing this rationale is important to avoid the matter from being misconstrued.
He was commenting on the concern by Social and Cultural Affairs adviser to the government Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim that the move could sow seeds of discord among the people.
Rais had reportedly urged the state government to reconsider its decision to adopt English as the official language of the state alongside Bahasa Malaysia to safeguard unity between Peninsular and East Malaysia.
Dr Rundi remarked: “We do what is best for the state and we think the way forward is to ensure our future generations are competitive enough to face the challenges ahead.
“English language is the route for international competency and bring Sarawak to the next level, and that doesn’t mean we will neglect usage of BM (Bahasa Malaysia).
“We see the need to improve that too, by emphasising the usage of English because we see the deteriorating standard of English amongst our local graduates…our spirit of patriotism and loyalty shall not be questioned at all.
“We have to be open about this matter to avoid it from being misconstrued.
“To us Sarawakians, the issue of conflict doesn’t arise at all.”