Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged for improved English proficiency among students, particularly in secondary schools, as part of broader national education reforms.
According to Buletin TV3, Anwar emphasised the need to overhaul outdated policy implementation methods to ensure more effective execution.
“Education is central to institutional reforms. While strengthening Bahasa Melayu remains essential, we must also ensure that English, as the second language, is mastered effectively, especially at the secondary level.
“Under the conventional timeline, decisions made in 2023 would lead to policy drafting in 2024, finalisation in 2025, pilot tests in 2026, an initial rollout in 2027, and full implementation only by 2028.
“This drawn-out process is no longer acceptable. If a decision is made in 2023, implementation must begin in 2024,” he stated at the Ministry of Finance’s Monthly Assembly.
Anwar acknowledged the complexities and bureaucratic hurdles in policy implementation but warned that excessive delays could hinder the education system.
“I do not deny the complexities due to the system’s intricacies and teacher training, but if we follow old methods, we will fall behind. That is the issue,” he said.
Government committed to institutional reforms
As finance minister, Anwar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to institutional reforms, including improvements in public service and governance.
He previously encouraged Malaysians, especially youths, to embrace change by mastering English and Mandarin to strengthen the country’s global economic position.
“Among the points I emphasised, besides strengthening Malay proficiency, is ensuring robust English proficiency as a second language among students, especially at the secondary level,” he reiterated.
To accelerate progress, he called for the formation of a team to develop and implement strategies without delay.
“We must choose how to implement quickly. If not implemented swiftly, we will lose,” he stressed.
He also highlighted the importance of linguistic diversity for communication and economic opportunities.
On 8 June last year, Anwar reaffirmed that the government remains committed to elevating Bahasa Melayu while promoting English proficiency. He clarified that mastering English does not diminish the importance of the national language.
Additionally, the government plans to bring in English teaching volunteers from Singapore to help improve English proficiency in rural areas.