I REFER to “Politics be damned, it’s English” (June 12). Although I agree with most of the observations, I beg to differ on a few points. It’s unfortunate that the writer only views the issue from the materialistic perspective. No doubt doing well in English will give us a headstart in this information age. However, there are other roles a language is poised to play in a civilised nation like ours.

Where do we position the Malay language, which is the national language that is supposed to unite everybody? It will be meaningless to talk about taking advantage of globalisation if at the same time Malaysians are not able to communicate freely and with dignity among themselves in their own language. There will not be a sense of understanding, caring and sharing and so there will be no respect, peace and harmony. The common ground has been and will be the national language.

Yes, we are no less Malay, Chinese or Indian by learning English, but the bigger question is are we less Malaysian if we fail to embrace the national language? To blame the ultra-nationalists for putting pressure on the authorities is unfair, because these groups are above politics. They have the best of intentions and the interest of the nation close to their heart.

Learn English by all means, but consider the inherent problems faced by the rural folk and the urban poor. We must address their concerns proactively because they make up a big percentage of the population and the future face of the nation. We can’t be selfish and assume that everybody is on the same premise and condemn those who are not able to cope with English.

I agree that we must impress upon the students that excelling at English is a serious thing, but not doing well in Malay and other subjects is also a serious thing.

So, let’s not waste our precious time discussing whether English should be made a compulsory pass in SPM or whether to continue teaching science and maths in English. We should instead focus our energy on the implementation of the single-school system where the medium of instruction is the national language. At the same time we must undertake concerted efforts to master English as a second language so that we do not lose out in the quest for knowledge.

Zamri Mahmud
Kuala Lumpur