Premier: Master languages that unlock global knowledge, opportunities while preserving identity

KUCHING (Sept 22): Young Sarawakians should master languages that open doors to global knowledge and opportunities while remaining confident in their own language and cultural identity, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said Bahasa Malaysia remained important as the national language and a bridge connecting Malaysia’s diverse communities, while proficiency in English and other languages would provide wider access to knowledge, technology, trade and international opportunities.

“To put simply, we do not have to choose between language and knowledge. Instead, we must master languages well so that the knowledge we acquire can be utilised more effectively,” he said in a speech read by State Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee at the closing ceremony of the 2026 National Student Forum Competition at Chung Hua Middle School No. 1 here.

Abang Johari said economic progress and the preservation of language and identity did not have to come at the expense of one another, citing Japan as an example of a country that had advanced in science and technology while retaining its native language.

He said this was particularly relevant to Sarawak, where its diversity of ethnic groups, languages and dialects should be regarded as a strength rather than an obstacle to unity.

While native languages enabled communities to preserve their heritage and identity, he said Bahasa Malaysia provided a common bridge for people of different backgrounds to understand and communicate with one another.

Against this backdrop, he said efforts to strengthen Bahasa Malaysia proficiency among students in Chinese independent secondary schools through competitions such as the forum should be encouraged.

“A forum competition carries far greater value than simply determining who wins on stage.

“Through forums, students construct arguments, evaluate issues, listen to differing views, and express their opinions with confidence and eloquence,” he said.

He described forums as a valuable form of education outside the classroom, where students could learn not only from textbooks but also through the experience of presenting and defending their views before an audience.

Abang Johari said such experiences could help build qualities needed for future leadership, stressing that leadership did not necessarily begin with a title.

“It starts with the courage to think, the ability to express one’s views, and the readiness to take responsibility for decisions made,” he said.

Encouraging students to believe in their potential, he said those taking part today could one day become community leaders, corporate executives, academics or national leaders.

“Perhaps some of you will become the Premier of Sarawak, a Cabinet Minister, or even the Prime Minister.

“Never think these things are impossible, it all starts with education, hard work, and the courage to believe in your own potential,” he said.

Abang Johari also cited the Malay proverb, “Kalau asal benih yang baik, jatuh ke laut menjadi pulau” (If the seed is good, even if it falls into the sea, it will grow into an island), to remind students that talent and good character could flourish wherever they were placed.

“With knowledge, discipline and good values, young people could continue to grow and succeed regardless of where their future took them,” he added.

Also present were Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Malaysia director-general Dr Hazami Jahari, DBP Language and Literature Department Director Abang Haliman Abang Julai, MEITD permanent secretary Datu Adana Jed, Malaysian Translation & Creative Writing Association (PERSPEKTIF) president Lim Chuan Boon, Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations (SFCA) president Dato Sri Richard Wee, and Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese School Management Boards chairman Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau.