Master three languages to broaden scope, says Annuar

KUCHING: Malaysians should strive to master at least three languages to broaden their access to knowledge and opportunities, said Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.

He said the three languages should comprise Bahasa Malaysia, English and one’s mother tongue.

“Every Malaysian citizen should master at least three languages. The first and main language is Bahasa Malaysia. The second is a language of knowledge, or a language that will give us access to knowledge, whether in science or technology. The third is our mother tongue,” he said.

Annuar, who represented Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the closing ceremony of the 2026 National Student Forum Competition here Tuesday, said Chinese schools had an advantage in multilingualism as students learned their mother tongue alongside Bahasa Malaysia and English.

First-place winners of the 2026 National Student Forum Competition from Sekolah Menengah Jalan Riam, Miri, Sarawak

He encouraged students to strengthen their language proficiency to prepare themselves for greater opportunities in the future.

In the speech read by Annuar, Abang Johari said Sarawak’s development required not only infrastructure, technology and investment, but also skilled and knowledgeable human capital.

He said human capital development remained an important part of the Sarawak government’s agenda, particularly in providing children with opportunities to pursue education and develop their potential.

He also highlighted the importance of language proficiency in a diverse society such as Sarawak, saying Bahasa Melayu served as a common language while other languages helped preserve cultural identity and provided access to knowledge, technology, trade and international networks.

“We do not have to choose between language and knowledge. Instead, we must master languages well so that the knowledge we acquire can be applied more widely,” he said.

Abang Johari said Sarawak’s linguistic and cultural diversity should be viewed as a strength, with the national language serving as a bridge for communication while communities continued to preserve their respective languages and identities.

He also pointed to Japan as an example of a country that had developed its economy, science and technology while maintaining its language and identity.

He said efforts to improve proficiency in Bahasa Melayu among Chinese independent secondary schools through competitions such as the National Student Forum Competition provided students with opportunities to use the language in real-life situations.

Abang Johari said it provided students with opportunities to develop skills beyond classroom learning, including organising arguments, evaluating issues, listening to different views and expressing opinions confidently and courteously.

Second-place winners of the 2026 National Student Forum Competition from Sekolah Menengah Kian Kok, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

“These skills will be important as students face a more complex world involving different views, opinions and challenges that require sound decision-making. The competition, now in its 32nd edition, has also helped students build confidence, competence and courage over the years,” he said.

Abang Johari said young people had the potential to become future leaders, with leadership beginning with the courage to think, express views and take responsibility for decisions.

Abang Johari said Sarawak was honoured to host this year’s national-level competition and hoped the event would continue to provide students with opportunities to develop their thinking, communication and debating skills.