Permatang pauh: Efforts to uphold Malay, the country's official language, should not be seen as an attempt to undermine proficiency in other languages, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a good command of Malay while also strengthening proficiency in other languages such as English, Mandarin, and Tamil to broaden educational and economic opportunities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted the global significance of English, urging that it should complement rather than replace Malay. He shared these views during his speech at the Ambang Merdeka Sahabat MADANI 2026 highlight programme at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Permatang Pauh. The Prime Minister noted that proficiency in Mandarin is increasingly important due to its role as a major economic language in the region, and acknowledged the interest among Malaysians to improve their proficiency in Tamil.

Anwar stressed the importance of mastering multiple languages, stating that it is not a zero-sum game. He encouraged children to learn Chinese, provided their Malay skills were strong, and emphasized the economic benefits of multilingualism. He assured that learning regional languages would not come at the expense of English proficiency but would instead offer additional opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The Prime Minister also reminded the populace about the importance of maintaining racial harmony. He cautioned against sowing discord among different races and stressed that national unity requires ongoing efforts. Anwar called for a spirit of inclusivity and cooperation, ensuring that all citizens, irrespective of race, benefit from the country's development.