Wee: A wise decision that deserves our support

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Richard Wee

Richard Wee

KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem’s decision to make English the state’s second language and preferred official language of the state administration deserves the people’s support.

“His ideas are practical. He has spoken up for many Sarawakians,” said Richard Wee who is chairman of the board of management of Chung Hua Middle School (CHMS) No.1, 3 and 4 yesterday.

“Adenan was always concerned for the interests of Sarawakians and feels for them. He is the man for the people of Sarawak.

“English should be the ‘bridge’ or common language for people of diverse races to communicate,” Wee said.

He said the people of Sarawak once took pride in their high standard of English which they inherited from the British education system as she was once a British colony.

“But as everyone knows, the standard of English has deteriorated in Malaysia due to education policies that change direction like the wind every time a new education minister appears on the scene,” he said.

Wee said some ministers defended that the Malaysian education system was good, but if so, why send their own children to international schools and Western countries to further their studies?

“Every developed country has a successful education policy. Education takes time to develop and cannot be simply changed on a whim. Many Malaysian students are suffering as a result of the education policy,” he said.

He said Adenan recognised the importance of English and was fighting for autonomy in education and finance for the state to get a bigger share of the country’s wealth.

“I am looking forward to the state giving us what we want. I hope Adenan makes a timeline for plans to implement his policies,” he said.

Some Malay interest groups and a former minister from the peninsula had criticised Adenan’s decision.

But Wee commented: “This is a typical West Malaysian mindset. They talk a lot about patriotism but send their children to study overseas. Why be hypocritical about it?

“It’s time to realise the real problem. If the Malaysian education system is good, why are many local university graduates unemployed?”

Chung Hua Middle School No.4 principal Johnny Kon commented that Adenan was farsighted.

“I admire his wisdom and he’s not wishy-washy. He’s a great leader who leads by example. We need to master English as the world is getting globalised,” Kon said.

He believed mastery of English would make the people more competitive and open the door to opportunities.

“There’s no reason to object to Adenan’s decision. He emphasised the importance of English and is working on getting recognition for the Unified Exmination Certificate. English is an international language and Mandarin is widely used too.”

Secondary English teacher Maggie Mathew said: “I’m all for it. We have much to gain from the decision made by Adenan. Making English an official language opens an ocean of opportunities to the next generation especially.

“The effort will push Sarawakians to communicate in the language spoken by a large number of people in the world today,” said the 38-year-old with 15 years’ experience in teaching.

When that happens, they will be in a better position to get better jobs, extract ideas from books, journals and research which are written in English, and comprehend knowledge.

“Why not? It creates opportunities to make Sarawak a better place to live in, and the people better to live with,” Maggie said.

An IGCSE English private tutor Peter De Run said: “No one is none the worst for learning English. Adenan’s decision will elevate Sarawak’s status globally as well as enable her people to communicate worldwide and access much needed information.”

He said many visitors from outside the state had been amazed by how Sarawakians use English. Making English language official will widen its usage among the people, and pave the way for a new level of mastery.

Will it have adverse effects on the use of Bahasa Malaysia?

“No. Because we in Sarawak see the importance of languages and how they are tools for our betterment. Bahasa Malaysia will still be needed for communication with many sectors in Malaysia.

“Every race that excels in English and Bahasa Malaysia will reap bountifully. We in Sarawak know this – so much so that many speak more than two languages,” said Peter who has worked as an English teacher at an international school here before.

He said the challenge now is to seek creative and effective ways to re-introduce English in Sarawak, and help everyone improve their mastery of the language.

“It’s time for all who teach and use English to help Sarawak be the best it can be in Malaysia.”