28/09/2025

NATIONAL 6 theSun on Sunday SEPT 28, 2025

Concern over decline in English proficiency

Flak for lecturer over ‘teach them later’ gaffe PETALING JAYA: Sarawak Education, Innovation and Talent Development Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee has criticised Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (Upsi) associate professor Azizah Zain over her remarks suggesting children should not be taught English at an early age. Annuar said Malaysia should emulate Singapore’s approach by preserving the mother tongue while ensuring proficiency in English. “Bear in mind that the main reason we are far behind Singapore is because we switched our medium of instruction to Malay. We need to follow Singapore – upholding the mother tongue is a must and mastering English is also compulsory,” he said in response to Azizah’s comments that were reported by The Borneo Post Online. Azizah, a senior lecturer in the Upsi early childhood education department, had argued that children should first master Malay up to the age of seven or eight before learning other languages. She emphasised that Malay must be firmly established as both the mother tongue and national language, adding that children more comfortable in English could lose touch with the values and nuances embedded in Malay. “Malay is not merely a means of communication, it embodies our cultural identity,” she said, adding that the greatest loss lies in children becoming increasingly alienated from Malay language and culture. Annuar countered that Azizah’s concern appears more focused on protecting Malay than preparing students for global competitiveness. “Do not blame English for causing the erosion of the nation’s cultural identity. The main cause is upbringing and unchecked outside influences. By teaching them English, you open up the world to them,” he said, highlighting that English is not only a global language but also essential for trade and commerce. Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Language not just academic skill but critical tool for communication, trade, defence and

science: Group Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The level of English proficiency among Malaysians has experienced a decline, said English Speaking Union of Malaysia (Esum) chairperson Tunku Dara Tunku Tan Sri Naquiah Tuanku Ja’afar. “It started in the 1990s when Bahasa Malaysia became the main medium of instruction. While we must be proud of our national language, English remains a critical tool for communication, trade, defence and science,” she said, adding that decades of policy shifts have left students unprepared for the global stage. Speaking ahead of the English Speaking Union International Council Meeting (ICM), she emphasised that English proficiency is not just an academic skill but a gateway to global opportunities. Also present was Sun Media Corp director and Esum council member Datuk Seri Azman Ujang. “Look at Singapore today. Their success is partly because they retained English. It opens doors in science, technology, the economy... everything.” Tunku Naquiah also commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his fluency in English on the international stage, adding that leaders set an important example for youths. She also acknowledged the political sensitivity surrounding language policy in Malaysia, especially when it comes to integrating Chinese or Tamil alongside English and Bahasa Malaysia in schools. “In England, students learn up to three

Tunku Naquiah (centre) with Azman (right) during a discussion with Esum council members. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Tuanku Ja’afar Gallery in Seremban. Post-conference tours to Langkawi, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak have also been planned to showcase Malaysia’s rich heritage, culture and diversity. “This is more than just a meeting. It’s an opportunity to present Malaysia on the world stage (to showcase) not just our hospitality, but also our commitment to promoting English as a bridge for international cooperation. “English helps build confidence and unlock opportunities. Our goal is to help students, especially the youth, become effective communicators who can contribute positively to the global community,” Tunku Naquiah said. “We don’t teach our children public speaking or critical thinking skills. In schools, students are discouraged from asking questions. That’s a problem.” The English Speaking Union is renowned for programmes in public speaking, debating and effective communication, with improving English proficiency among youth being a central theme.

languages – English, Latin and a third language like French or German. Why can’t we do that here? It doesn’t mean abandoning our national identity, it means preparing students for the world.” The ICM, scheduled for Sept 29 to Oct 2 in Kuala Lumpur, coincides with Esum’s 25th anniversary. “This is the first time Malaysia is hosting the global conference, bringing together English Speaking Union representatives from around the world to discuss the future of English language education and its role in global connectivity,” Tunku Naquiah said. The annual conference venue rotates among member countries, with London hosting it every four years. This year, representatives from 10 countries comprising the UK, United States, France, Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bulgaria, Mongolia, Hong Kong and Lithuania will attend in person, while others would participate via Zoom. Delegates will attend a one-and-a-half day conference, then enjoy a cultural excursion to Malacca and a visit to the

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