Prime Minister Anwar has called on government departments to prioritize the national language in their correspondence. Emphasizing the importance of effective communication, Anwar stressed the need for clear and consistent use of the national language. This directive aims to enhance transparency and ensure that government documents and communications are easily understood by the public. The move aligns with efforts to promote linguistic unity and efficient governance.
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In a speech at the National Language Decade carnival and National Reading Decade event, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of upholding the national language in official communication. He expressed concern about a growing tendency by some parties to use languages other than the national language when corresponding with government departments.
Anwar reminded all government departments to adhere to the Federal Constitution, which designates Bahasa Melayu (Malay language) as the national language.
Anwar’s directive was clear: if government departments receive letters from local companies or public and private universities in a language other than the national language, they are to return those letters to the sender. He underscored that the promotion and preservation of culture, language, and literature are integral to nation-building and should not be underestimated.
It’s worth noting that Article 152 of the Federal Constitution explicitly designates the Malay language (Bahasa Melayu) as the national language. Anwar emphasized that this move doesn’t imply a disregard for English proficiency, citing his own experiences teaching at Georgetown University in Washington DC as an example of the importance of English proficiency. He highlighted the value of proficiency in English while reiterating the significance of Bahasa Melayu as the national language.
Anwar also encouraged instilling a love for reading and culture in children from a young age, with the aim of fostering a genuine passion for reading rather than simply reading to pass examinations. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of promoting literacy and the national language.