PETALING JAYA: Instead of attacking “elites” for not speaking in Malay, new ideas should be proposed to empower the language, says Ong Kian Ming (pic).
The former Bangi MP said the public should be encouraged to use the language more instead of forcing it on them.
“I am not sure why Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim targetted certain groups when highlighting the importance of Bahasa Malaysia as the national language.
“I am quite sure many people in the corporate world in Malaysia communicate in English because that is the usual practice, rather than the fact they were raised in London,” the former deputy international trade and industry minister said in a post on X on Monday (Oct 7).
Ong suggested that platforms such as podcasts can be used to enhance the usage and understanding of the national language.
“My own usage and thoughts in BM has increased after listening to the KeluarSekejap podcast (hosted by Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan),” he said.
Ong also said he believed Anwar did not mean to call out those said to be in the “elite group who grew up in London” but use English as part of their daily life.
“There are many others who work for multinational companies and the many publicly listed companies, especially those which have international customers and operations, including taxi drivers who must converse in English with their international passengers, among others.
“Many other ‘non-elites’ may feel that they are also being unfairly targeted by Anwar’s remarks,” he said.
On Sunday (Oct 6), Anwar urged the private sector to use Malay more when launching the National Language month, adding the responsibility to empower the national language is shared by all and not just by the government or Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.
