Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that any proposals touching on sensitive issues involving religion, race, or ethnicity must also respect the constitutional position of Bahasa Melayu as Malaysia’s national language.
He said the government would continue defending the principle enshrined in the Federal Constitution, which places Bahasa Melayu as the country’s official language.
“Recently, there have been various demands regarding language—some pushing for greater emphasis on English, others calling for recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC). I want to make this clear: this is Malaysia. Bahasa Melayu is the official language and must be upheld as a language of knowledge mastered by all Malaysians,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at the Nur al-Hidayah Mosque in Kuah today.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, emphasised that the dignity and status of Malay must be elevated according to its constitutional role, with stronger mastery among citizens.
He said any proposal involving multilingual education or recognition of other qualifications should only be considered once the principles regarding Bahasa Melayu have been fully implemented.
“If it is clear that Bahasa Melayu is strengthened, then I agree to discussions on increasing English proficiency. But Malay must also be the language of new technology, of AI, and of knowledge,” he said.
“Regardless of whether they are Chinese, Tamil, or English medium schools, all must ensure students master Malay. Even international schools can use English, but passing and mastering Bahasa Melayu is compulsory.”
Anwar cautioned that proposals promoting a single language or racial perspective while sidelining Malay risk creating broader national issues.
He reminded all groups submitting language-related proposals to adhere to the Constitution and prioritise mastery of Bahasa Melayu.
Earlier, DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming said the party would meet the prime minister to discuss recognition of the UEC.
