Proficiency level of national language still low - Pahang MB

The people's level of proficiency in the national language in various fields, including education, is still relatively low, according to Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob. He said although English is the world's language, the Malay language as the national language of Malaysia should be placed appropriately in the context of the local society. "This (proficiency) matter involves all people at all levels and should be given attention and appropriate solutions," he said in his speech at the launch of state-level National Language Month here today. His speech text was read by Panching assemblyman Datuk Mohd Zaili Besar. Adnan said in education, for example, the teaching and learning of Malay language was lagging far behind, including in terms of reading and reference materials especially at tertiary level. "Why is this happening? The government has done everything to uphold the status of Malay language as an excellent-class subject," he said. As such, Adnan said the empowerment of Malay language should be done not only at the primary and secondary schools, but also at the institutions of higher learning. Meanwhile, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) magazine division editor-in-chief Zubaidi Abas said based on DBP's survey, the people's level of proficiency in Malay language was not only low in the private sector, but also in the public sector. "This is evident during meetings where 'rojak language' is widely used, just like in advertisements, signboards and buntings put up in public places," he added.