KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians to put an end to the ongoing bickering over language issues and refocus on shaping a brighter, more competitive future for the nation’s youth.
He emphasised that the government’s approach to multilingual education is not meant to diminish the status of Bahasa Melayu as the national and official language, Bernama reported.
Instead, it aims to strengthen national unity and ensure equal opportunities for students to master multiple languages.
Anwar highlighted the importance of multilingualism in equipping young people to tackle global challenges and enhance their competitiveness, without sacrificing the nation’s identity.
“We no longer want endless inter-ethnic disputes over language. Our priority is to improve the quality of life and secure the future of our children,” he said.
He further stressed the need for students to be prepared to compete not only in Malaysia but also across Asia and the globe. “That is why language, science, mathematics, digital skills, and artificial intelligence (AI) must be mastered from the early stages of schooling,” he added.
Anwar was speaking at an event with the Chinese community at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Perting in Bentong. The gathering was also attended by Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, and Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman.
He urged that efforts to improve the quality of education be regarded as a national agenda, transcending ethnic divides. Anwar called on all parties to focus on school improvements, teacher training, and providing adequate facilities. While acknowledging the diversity of opinions on education, he stressed that discussions should remain focused on making education a unifying force and a catalyst for national progress.
During the event, Anwar announced the approval of RM13.5 million in funding for improvement projects at SJKC Perting, including RM300,000 for immediate preliminary work. This funding is part of a wider initiative to prepare for the voluntary entry of five-year-olds into preschool and six-year-olds into Year One, set to begin next year.
“I hope all parties — school administrators, teachers, parents, and the local community — continue to support this school so it can serve as an example for other schools,” he said.
The approved allocation will help construct a new six-classroom block for the Integrated Special Education Programme (PPKI) and a classroom for the Integrated Preschool at SJKC Perting. – January 22, 2026