There are countries in the world where many languages are spoken. But this has not discouraged the people from using their national language with pride.
Malaysian are blessed with people of different races and cultures with many languages spoken, including English. But we also have the national language and it is used almost in all spheres of life.
After schooling for 11 years and interacting with society that predominently uses the national language, Malaysian should be able to speak or write in the language reasonably well. Malaysians born after independence should be able to speak the national language properly.
After 5 decades of independence, there should not be any excuse for the present generation to not be able to speak and write in the language reasonably well. We are divided by race and religion, no doubt, but we can still be united by having a common language as the lingua franca. This is a unique asset we posses to build a Malaysian race.
If we cannot depend on races or religious elements to unite the people of the country, let's then focus on the national language. Learning the national language is not going to deprive anyone of learning other languages. Considering the national language as a sub-standard language is most undesirable.
Unfortunately, there are some in our society who feel that it's not really important for them to be proficient in the national language. They give excuses including that it's not a language for commercial or academic purposes.
Some would not even reply in Bahasa Malaysia- preferring to use English -to a simple police constable speaks to them in Bahasa Malaysia. This is actually false pride.
Malaysians should take pride in the national language and strive to speak the language with proper etiquette and in standard manner. SUPRISINGLY, when speaking English, many would want to emphasise proper diction and accent and are proud to associate themselve with English or American accents.
Many, on the other hand, ignore these rules and take it as a trivial matter when speaking in the national language. Some just prefer to speak by code-switching, using a mixture of languages, and ignoring the standard patterns and enunciation of the language.
A nation's identity is well represented by its national language. No matter what other languages the people wish to learn, they must not neglect the national language. This is not unique to Malaysia. It's also the norm in other countries where the national language is held in high esteem.
Despite all the hype surrounding the learning of foreign languages, more than 80 percent of our social interactions are still in the national language. It is therefore, important that every Malaysian is able to communicate well in the language.
Teaching of Bahasa Malaysia in schools should be made longer and more interesting in vernacular school. The media can always play a role by using standard Bahasa Malaysia to promote the language.
Programmes using non-standard Bahasa Malaysia should not be aired on radio and television until all Malaysians are really comfortable and proficient with standard form of BAHASA MALAYSIA.
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Polis Ambil Keterangan Wanita Dakwa Dimarahi Tak Tahu BM Semasa Buat Laporan
KUALA LUMPUR, 6 Sept (Bernama) -- Polis pada Isnin mengambil keterangan daripada Loh See Moi, wanita yang mendakwa dimarahi oleh seorang pegawai penyiasat kerana tidak pandai berkomunikasi dalam bahasa Malaysia ketika membuat laporan di Balai Polis Kepong pada 28 Ogos lepas.
Wanita berusia dalam lingkungan 50-an itu hadir ke balai polis itu pada kira-kira 11 pagi tadi bersama Nick Ong, pembantu khas Anggota Parlimen Segambut, Lim Lip Eng.
Ong berkata Loh memberitahunya bahawa anggota polis dari Bukit Aman datang ke rumahnya pada 3.30 petang Ahad.
"Hari ini Loh See Moi turut dipanggil ke Balai Polis Kepong untuk hal yang sama," katanya.
Ketua Polis Kuala Lumpur Datuk Muhammad Sabtu Osman berkata pegawai penyiasat itu kini menjalankan tugas pentadbiran sementara menunggu siasatan dijalankan.
-- BERNAMA
