Dr Abdul Rahman (centre) presenting certificates of participation as others look on.
KUCHING: The current era of globalisation demands Malaysians to master English, given the language’s status as being one that is widely spoken in the world.
In stating this, Pantai Damai assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said students should not be afraid to converse in English, despite the language not being their mother tongue.
“English is a common language. All of us should at least be able to communicate in basic English.
“Having said this, the language commonly spoken in the world is English; therefore, everyone in Malaysia need to understand the fact that mastering this language is vital if they want to go into the working world,” he said when closing an ‘English Enhancement Programme’ for SK Gersik, SK Pulo and SK Matu Baru at BGS Waterfront here yesterday.
The assemblyman believed that there were various ways to make learning and mastering English fun but at the same time, comprehensive.
“One should never shy away from conversing in English. It is a proven method towards mastering the language.”
Yesterday’s programme was jointly run by Pantai Damai Education Bureau, Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) Kuching, MRSM Kuching Alumni and University of Hawaii. On this, Dr Abdul Rahman said any creative approach in teaching English to children must be promoted statewide.
“This event will soon be making its move to other parts of Pantai Damai (state constituency) and we hope that the effort by the organiser would produce more fluent English-speaking students.”
Earlier on, University of Hawaii representative Tobias Bloyd said the ability for some of the participants who were able to converse in English without pointers on paper, was a sign that they were excellent learners.
“They were able to speak and seemed to know the common vocabulary, which amazed us. We are proud to be part of this programme,” he said.