English is not the villain some make it out to be, and history has a habit of mocking those who attempt to cast it in that role. In Malaysia, where the linguistic landscape is as diverse as a bustling Penang food court at lunchtime, debates over the place of English have flared up again—notably, in response to China’s achievements in science and technology. Some argue that if China can conquer the world of artificial intelligence while teaching its children math and science in Mandarin, Malaysia too should mothball its English programs to “protect” the national language, Malay. But this argument is less a recipe for progress than it is a linguistic dead-end, and as it turns out, China’s real recipe for success is anything but monolingual.
It’s a persistent myth: that a country can only function effectively in one language. Yet, if that were true, the world would not be home to more than 7,000 active languages spread across nearly 200 nations. The paradox within Malaysia is difficult to miss—boasting three major ethnic groups, a legislative cacophony of opinions, and public education policies that seem to zigzag with each change of political wind—still, the country’s discourse repeatedly cycles back to an anxious defense of Malay, casting suspicion on every other tongue. English, in particular, is often treated as the arch-nemesis of national cohesion, accused of single-handedly torpedoing the standards of Malay proficiency.
Such fears are not just overblown—they’re counterproductive. Dismantling English education, as some policymakers appear eager to do, risks not only alienating a significant segment of the population but also undermining Malaysia’s aspirations for economic progress, scientific prowess, and regional leadership.
China did not get to DeepSeek by cocooning itself linguistically. Quite the contrary—China has, for decades, invested heavily in English language education, making it compulsory in schools, pushing universities to demand English proficiency across all disciplines, and encouraging students to polish their skills abroad. This was not a whim but a strategically calculated bet that English, as the global lingua franca of science and technology, would unlock the doors to progress. That bet has paid off handsomely.
Why the emphasis on English? Because, whether Malaysians like it or not, 98% of scientific literature today is written in English. In the boardrooms of multinational corporations as well as the code repos of Silicon Valley, English is currency, and proficiency is power.
The real barrier to Malay proficiency? Not English, but inconsistent teaching methods, lack of investment in cultural initiatives, and a reluctance to recognize the benefits of embracing Malaysia’s full linguistic heritage. The Dual Language Programme (DLP), designed to strengthen English skills without weakening the nation’s attachment to Malay, has faced relentless criticism, sometimes even within the halls of Parliament. But it is precisely this kind of program—not purist isolationism—that lifts all boats.
China can afford these policy shifts because its technological engine is already humming—with English as a key piston. The seeds were sown when the government sent its best minds abroad, insisted that science and engineering students buckle down on English, and built an R&D base that rivals any in the world.
Ironically, the vision of publishing world-class scientific journals in Malay is not unworthy. If Malaysia manages to become a powerhouse of innovation, institutions may one day indeed launch Malay-language periodicals with global reach. But to earn the world’s respect—or even its attention—Malaysian researchers must first master the lingua franca of today’s science. Only then can they translate prestige back into the local idiom.
Recognizing this, other countries operate in their own national languages at home—but they invest, and invest deeply, in ensuring their students can compete, negotiate, code, and dream in English. To refuse the same in Malaysia in the name of cultural purity is to wear blinkers in a global sprint.
In fact, multilingual countries are often the most innovative—and the most resilient—because their citizens can collaborate, negotiate, and empathize with the wider world. It is precisely Malaysia’s linguistic diversity that makes it so uniquely positioned to excel in the region.
For years, reform-minded educators have called for a comprehensive overhaul, but their pleas are too often drowned out by those for whom language is only a political football. Yet, there is no shortcut to national progress that involves linguistic self-sabotage.
History shows, time and again, that nations which embrace the world’s languages also embrace the world’s possibilities. This wasn’t always easy or comfortable—even in China, English education was, and sometimes still is, contentious. But no one ever built a global brand, discovered a scientific breakthrough, or penned a world-changing codebase by refusing to learn from others.
Educationally, this means comprehensive reform: training teachers to build real communicative competence, investing in content that bridges language and culture, updating curricula to reflect a multilingual world, and protecting programs like the DLP that recognize students’ right to aim high.
Culturally, this means celebrating everything from nasi lemak poetry contests in Malay to rap cyphers in English to traditional theater in Tamil. Economic policy must make a virtue of Malaysia’s pluralism, pitching it as a natural landing pad for multinational companies looking for local savvy and global smarts.
The question Malaysia faces is not, “Must we choose between English and Malay?” but, “How can we make both flourish, so we don’t have to choose at all?” A generation from now, Malaysia’s future scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, and diplomats will tell the nation’s story in a dozen tongues—and the world will be listening, in English, Malay, and every language in between.
Let’s stop blaming English for the nation’s educational woes, and start building the kind of system—equitable, ambitious, modern—that produces Malaysians capable of excelling in any tongue, on any stage. When the world next looks to Malaysia, let it be for its innovation, its confidence, and its refusal to be held back by old fears in a new world. As every rojak vendor knows, mix it right, and you end up with something truly world-class.
Source: bernama - THE FUTILITY OF RESISTING ENGLISH: A BARRIER TO NATIONAL PROGRESS
Language Myths and the Malaysian Dilemma
It’s a persistent myth: that a country can only function effectively in one language. Yet, if that were true, the world would not be home to more than 7,000 active languages spread across nearly 200 nations. The paradox within Malaysia is difficult to miss—boasting three major ethnic groups, a legislative cacophony of opinions, and public education policies that seem to zigzag with each change of political wind—still, the country’s discourse repeatedly cycles back to an anxious defense of Malay, casting suspicion on every other tongue. English, in particular, is often treated as the arch-nemesis of national cohesion, accused of single-handedly torpedoing the standards of Malay proficiency.Such fears are not just overblown—they’re counterproductive. Dismantling English education, as some policymakers appear eager to do, risks not only alienating a significant segment of the population but also undermining Malaysia’s aspirations for economic progress, scientific prowess, and regional leadership.
The Futility of Resisting English in the Age of DeepSeek
The immediate catalyst for renewed handwringing over English is China’s DeepSeek AI model, a technological marvel that’s got local commentators in a collective state of admiration. Some Malaysians interpret China’s breakthroughs as evidence that English is unnecessary for innovation. This line of reasoning fails on two counts: it misunderstands China, and it misunderstands innovation.China did not get to DeepSeek by cocooning itself linguistically. Quite the contrary—China has, for decades, invested heavily in English language education, making it compulsory in schools, pushing universities to demand English proficiency across all disciplines, and encouraging students to polish their skills abroad. This was not a whim but a strategically calculated bet that English, as the global lingua franca of science and technology, would unlock the doors to progress. That bet has paid off handsomely.
Multilingualism as Superpower—Ask the Europeans
The Chinese are not outliers; they are part of a global pattern of multilingualism driving innovation. In the European Union, three-quarters of working-age adults speak at least one other language. In Slovenia and Luxembourg, three languages is the norm, not the exception. South Korea, hardly a slouch in the global tech race, underwent sweeping reforms in English education as early as the 1970s—not to dilute Korean, but to catapult its youth onto the world stage.Why the emphasis on English? Because, whether Malaysians like it or not, 98% of scientific literature today is written in English. In the boardrooms of multinational corporations as well as the code repos of Silicon Valley, English is currency, and proficiency is power.
English: Not a Zero-Sum Game
Still, the notion persists in some circles that every word learned in English is a word forgotten in Malay. This linguistic zero-sum mentality is as outdated as dial-up internet. Research shows that learning additional languages can actually enhance one’s command of the mother tongue. Exposure to complex grammar in English or the rapid-fire syntax of Mandarin doesn’t erase Malay—it often makes a speaker more agile and expressive across the board.The real barrier to Malay proficiency? Not English, but inconsistent teaching methods, lack of investment in cultural initiatives, and a reluctance to recognize the benefits of embracing Malaysia’s full linguistic heritage. The Dual Language Programme (DLP), designed to strengthen English skills without weakening the nation’s attachment to Malay, has faced relentless criticism, sometimes even within the halls of Parliament. But it is precisely this kind of program—not purist isolationism—that lifts all boats.
Champions of the Mother Tongue: Defending Without Disparaging
No one is calling for the abandonment of Malay, and to frame the debate as a zero-sum contest between English and Malay is to misunderstand both the nation’s needs and its opportunities. The national language should be cherished: through film, literature, traditional arts like wayang kulit, and cultural festivals that celebrate the Malaysian story. But no cultural renaissance ever thrived by slamming the door on learning; if anything, fluency in other languages makes the home language stronger, by bringing home new ideas, richer vocabulary, and fresh ways of thinking.China’s Real Language Policy: Pragmatism Over Purity
Looking east, it’s clear that China’s official jargon has recently shifted to “widening choices.” While some English requirements have softened—especially under the current administration—English, Japanese, Russian, and other foreign tongues are all available to ambitious students. In major cities, parents lobby fiercely against any moves to scrap English instruction, not because they hate Mandarin, but because they recognize what’s at stake: global competitiveness.China can afford these policy shifts because its technological engine is already humming—with English as a key piston. The seeds were sown when the government sent its best minds abroad, insisted that science and engineering students buckle down on English, and built an R&D base that rivals any in the world.
Malaysia at the Crossroads: Lessons in Linguistic Courage
Malaysia is now at a similar crossroads. It wants to be ASEAN’s innovation gateway, the region’s digital hub, a bridge between East and West. To get there, more is needed than a cheerful “boleh” spirit. Whether future leaders emerge from kampungs or cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur, they’ll need English just as much as Malay to pitch to global investors, unlock up-to-date research, and build international partnerships.Ironically, the vision of publishing world-class scientific journals in Malay is not unworthy. If Malaysia manages to become a powerhouse of innovation, institutions may one day indeed launch Malay-language periodicals with global reach. But to earn the world’s respect—or even its attention—Malaysian researchers must first master the lingua franca of today’s science. Only then can they translate prestige back into the local idiom.
Economic Realities: English as a Passport
Let’s be brutally honest: in the cutthroat worlds of STEM, finance, and international business, English proficiency is not optional for success—it’s fundamental. Walk into the headquarters of any multinational corporation in Malaysia, and the default language of meetings, memos, and aspirations will be English. The same is true for regional offices across Singapore, Hong Kong, and Jakarta. To opt out of English is to opt out of opportunities.Recognizing this, other countries operate in their own national languages at home—but they invest, and invest deeply, in ensuring their students can compete, negotiate, code, and dream in English. To refuse the same in Malaysia in the name of cultural purity is to wear blinkers in a global sprint.
Multilingualism as National Unity
Some suggest that promoting English divides Malaysians. The reality is the opposite. Encouraging proficiency in Malay, Chinese, Tamil, and English unites Malaysia, not fractures it. It creates a citizenry able to communicate across ethnic lines at home and leap across linguistic boundaries in the global market. Cultural identity is reinforced, not threatened, when all major languages are treated as tools, not as totems.In fact, multilingual countries are often the most innovative—and the most resilient—because their citizens can collaborate, negotiate, and empathize with the wider world. It is precisely Malaysia’s linguistic diversity that makes it so uniquely positioned to excel in the region.
The Peril of Policy Shortcuts
Critics often seek a quick fix. If results in English are poor, the answer is not to retreat, but to reform. The real culprit behind Malaysia’s inconsistent English proficiency is a patchwork education system, outdated teaching methods, and a chronic underappreciation of what’s at stake. Global best practices—embracing multimedia, digital learning, bilingual curricula, and investment in teacher training—are waiting to be adapted, not ignored.For years, reform-minded educators have called for a comprehensive overhaul, but their pleas are too often drowned out by those for whom language is only a political football. Yet, there is no shortcut to national progress that involves linguistic self-sabotage.
Celebrating Language Without Fear
Malaysia’s anxiety over English is a reflection of larger uncertainties—over identity, over place in the world, over competing visions of modernity. But fear has never propelled a nation forward. Instead, Malaysia should look to its strengths: its unrivaled mix of cultures, its strategic position between India and China, and its deep historical links to the English-speaking world.History shows, time and again, that nations which embrace the world’s languages also embrace the world’s possibilities. This wasn’t always easy or comfortable—even in China, English education was, and sometimes still is, contentious. But no one ever built a global brand, discovered a scientific breakthrough, or penned a world-changing codebase by refusing to learn from others.
Reinventing Language Policy: The Way Forward
So what does a pragmatic language policy for Malaysia look like? First, value Malay—not as a fortress to be defended, but as a treasure to be promoted. Second, liberate English from its scapegoat status and treat it as a practical gateway to knowledge, opportunity, and international respect. Third, cherish the vast tapestry of Chinese, Tamil, indigenous, and even regional dialects that make up the Malaysian experience.Educationally, this means comprehensive reform: training teachers to build real communicative competence, investing in content that bridges language and culture, updating curricula to reflect a multilingual world, and protecting programs like the DLP that recognize students’ right to aim high.
Culturally, this means celebrating everything from nasi lemak poetry contests in Malay to rap cyphers in English to traditional theater in Tamil. Economic policy must make a virtue of Malaysia’s pluralism, pitching it as a natural landing pad for multinational companies looking for local savvy and global smarts.
English, Malay, and the Malaysian Future
In the end, resisting English is less a move for national cohesion and more an exercise in self-limitation. As global economies become more interconnected and the pace of innovation accelerates, language becomes not a moat, but a bridge. Every nation that has thrived in the modern era has done so by marrying deep pride in native languages with an open-armed embrace of English.The question Malaysia faces is not, “Must we choose between English and Malay?” but, “How can we make both flourish, so we don’t have to choose at all?” A generation from now, Malaysia’s future scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, and diplomats will tell the nation’s story in a dozen tongues—and the world will be listening, in English, Malay, and every language in between.
Conclusion: A Call to Linguistic Ambition
The futility of resisting English is, in the Malaysian context, the futility of resisting change itself. Instead of raging against a perceived linguistic invasion, the nation should channel that energy into forging a unique multilingual identity—one that honors the national language without scapegoating others, embraces English as an ally in development, and prepares future generations for a world where the ability to shift between languages isn’t a threat, but a superpower.Let’s stop blaming English for the nation’s educational woes, and start building the kind of system—equitable, ambitious, modern—that produces Malaysians capable of excelling in any tongue, on any stage. When the world next looks to Malaysia, let it be for its innovation, its confidence, and its refusal to be held back by old fears in a new world. As every rojak vendor knows, mix it right, and you end up with something truly world-class.
Source: bernama - THE FUTILITY OF RESISTING ENGLISH: A BARRIER TO NATIONAL PROGRESS
