The Malaysian Insight

THE introduction of jawi lessons in primary school will not, on its own, strengthen Bahasa Malaysia as the national language, said Port Dickson MP Anwar Ibrahim.

Instead, efforts must be taken to increase the usage of Bahasa Malaysia more effectively, and in all places, he said in Johor.

“We must ensure everyone, including all MPs from both sides of the divide, use the language correctly and effectively.

“If they are weak, they should attend courses given by the government.

“If not, people watching them speak will note the type of language used by the lawmakers. Sometimes they use profanity, other times, it is ‘bahasa pasar’ (slang).”

He also reprimanded government events and programmes where English language was used overwhelmingly.

“There are official government functions where English is used from the beginning to the end.

“I am not a fanatic to claim we should not use English at all but there must be place and time for it.”

He also said everyone should master Bahasa Malaysia before learning other languages.

“Once we have mastered Bahasa Malaysia, we can then impress upon our children to take up other languages.

“There are now efforts to increase the standard of Chinese language. We have no issues with that as long as Bahasa Malaysia is upheld.”

Earlier this month, the Johor religious authorities decided to use Jawi in its official correspondence.

Meanwhile, minister in charge of religious affairs Mujahid Yusof Rawa announced that Fridays have been declared as “Jawi day”.

“Let’s not make Jawi an issue. If Johor government wants to use Jawi for its religious matters, it is understandable,” said Anwar. – September 7, 2019.