Wanita to highlight poor command of BM among non-Malays

KUALA LUMPUR: The issue of poor command of Bahasa Malaysia (BM) among non-Malay students is among motions to be debated by Wanita Umno at the movement's general assembly tomorrow.
Wanita Umno executive secretary Noorhaiza Mariena Mat Ramli said the issue has to be emphasised as BM is the main language in Malaysia and symbolises the people's identity.
"The Malay language should be upheld and used in the education system.
"Malaysians, especially students, should master the Malay language," she said.
Noorhaiza Mariena said the call for the abolition of the Sedition Act is another issue to be discussed by the movement.
Political analyst Dr Chandra Muzaffar said the motion on mastering of the Malay language by Wanita Umno is apt in an effort to further uphold the national language.
He said the command of the Malay language is declining not only among the non-Malays, but also Malays. "Some young people neglect the national language, and they include Malay students."
He said countries such as China and Korea are proactive in getting their people to master English, but they remain proud of and do not neglect their mother tongues.
"In our effort to enhance English proficiency, the Malay language, which is the national language, should not be forgotten.
"It is not only a language which symbolises identity, but also a language of communication, which serves as a bridge to forge closer relations among the people of various races in the country," he added.
Chandra also said those who are not proficient in Malay should not be criticised, but assisted and encouraged to master the language. – Bernama