Jambai (left) presents a memento to Entulu while Andrew looks on.
SIBU: The emphasis on English will not affect the use and importance of Bahasa Malaysia, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Joseph Entulu.
“English will never replace Bahasa Malaysia but it is for the people’s good if they can master English.
“Our prime minister wants to prepare us so that we will be able to compete at the international level,” he added.
Speaking when officiating at Selangau District Education Office’s Excellence Service Award here yesterday, he said it’s important to have a strong English-speaking population.
Entulu, who may defend his Selangau seat in the May 9 general election, said the focus and emphasis would still be Bahasa Malaysia as a unifying factor and the main mode of communication among Malaysians.
He added that there’s a high possibility that the government would liberalise the country’s education system if the Barisan Nasional (BN) wins the coming general election.
“The idea is we want to compete with the rest of the world in terms of labour market. We will be left behind if the use of English among our people is still poor.
“China is moving at a fantastic pace in terms of English-speaking,” he said.
Meanwhile, a total of 46 teachers and non-teaching staff received the Excellence Service Awards at the function.
Selangau District Education officer Jambai Sayong, Entulu’s political secretary Chumang Nyambong and Selangau Headmasters’ Council chairman Andrew Sirai Benang were also present at the function.