‘Defiant’ Uncle Koon offers Anwar 10 reasons why “English is more useful than Malay”
Malaysia’s fortune can change if the English language is accorded more prominence.
(Focus Malaysia) – INVESTOR extraordinaire Koon Yew Yin has reacted cynically to the latest directive by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to government departments not to entertain any letters that are not written in the national language by listing out 10 advantages of the English language.
Stating that “English is more useful than Malay”, the 90-year-old Perak-born philanthropist went further to contend that Malaysia’s fortune can change if the English language is accorded more prominence.
“If Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim changes his Malay language policy, Malaysia can improve its economy faster to be classified as a developed nation,” the renowned stock picker/punter penned in his latest blog.
“The English language is so important because it is the most widely spoken language in the world. It is used for communication, education, business, entertainment and many other purposes.”
For context, Anwar told companies and universities to correspond with government in Malay. He further reminded them that letters written in other languages – including English – will be returned.
“Of course, we agree with the use of English as the international trade language but there is an attitude that I feel has gone too far in some places like government offices and even more so in private universities as well as other sectors,” he said when officiating a national language and reading carnival in Cyberjaya yesterday (Oct 25).
Ironically, Anwar’s stance has also received lukewarm response from GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak)-rule Sarawak which will continue to accept official correspondence written in English from local companies or public/private institutions.
