A wise choice to use English in Sarawak

‘If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.’

— Nelson Mandela

I applaud the Sarawak government for its decision to uphold the use of English in schools despite facing persistent pressure from various groups to reduce it.

This choice signifies a dedication to equipping students with the necessary language skills to thrive in today’s interconnected world.

During the closing ceremony of the ‘Sarawak English Language Education Symposium’ (SELES) on July 12 in Kuching, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, reaffirmed this decision, emphasising Sarawak’s unwavering commitment.

I believe that most Sarawakians would support this decision, and I would even suggest extending the extensive use of English to government departments, agencies, and private organizations whenever feasible.

Dr Annuar, while defending the government’s stance, stated, “Sarawak has always taken pride in its emphasis on English usage, setting it apart from the rest of the country. We have faced criticism and labels because of it, but we understand its significance.

“I no longer wish to engage in further debates or arguments about the importance of English. Let the critics say what they want, but we know the value of English. While they continue to argue among themselves, Sarawak will stand firm against any pressure.”

Dr Annuar acknowledged Sarawak’s proactive approach to embracing the Dual Language Programme (DLP) under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Despite the lack of federal funding, Sarawak willingly accepted the opportunity to implement the full DLP offered by the federal government through the Education Ministry.

Responding to critics, Dr Annuar emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to mastering English, focusing on listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.

He highlighted the frequent discussions on unemployment among students, with the inability to command English well being a common factor.

Mastering the English language will undoubtedly enhance students’ global competitiveness, provide access to a broader range of educational resources, opportunities, and connections, and improve their academic and professional prospects. This will position Sarawak as a forward-thinking and competitive region in an increasingly interconnected world.

Furthermore, proficiency in English grants the younger generation better access to information, as a significant portion of scientific research, technology, and global news is available in English.

English proficiency also plays a critical role in boosting the economy, and attracting foreign investments and partnerships since most businesses prefer regions where the workforce can communicate effectively in English.

This decision also enables the younger generation to engage in cultural exchanges, fostering better understanding and appreciation of different cultures.

Proficiency in the English language is also crucial for educational opportunities, as many top universities and educational resources worldwide are English-speaking or offer programmes in English. Therefore, proficiency in the language ensures that students can fully leverage these opportunities.

Critics should also consider that most technological tools, programming languages, and software are developed in English. This ensures the younger generation can actively engage with and contribute to technological advancements.

I find it difficult to believe that critics fail to see the situation clearly or perhaps choose not to acknowledge it due to political motivations. It is ironic that some politicians vocally oppose the use of English in schools while simultaneously sending their children to study at all-English universities abroad.

Their actions serve political gain, so why the fuss? If only they would approach the issue holistically and open-mindedly, they would realize that prioritizing English, without compromising our national language, Bahasa Malaysia, would significantly benefit the state and its people across various areas.

Currently, many international companies are eager to expand their operations in Sarawak because they can easily communicate with locals in English. Foreign tourists have also praised the proficient command of English among many Sarawakians.

This is hardly surprising, considering that English is one of the most widely spoken languages globally and serves as a lingua franca worldwide.

It is the official language of 67 countries and 27 non-sovereign entities, with approximately 400 million people speaking it as their first language. Additionally, it is widely spoken in many other nations without official status.

Therefore, the Sarawak government’s decision to firmly maintain the use of English is not only prudent but also the most sensible choice. Kudos to the state government for taking this commendable stance!

The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.