“The language that is most understood by majority of citizens in the country is Malay, that is the national language,” Muhyiddin said today during the launch of “Using National Language In Financial Sector and Insurance Symposium” here.
“In line with the 1 Malaysia concept, that puts people first, it is only right to give priority to the national language as the country’s financial language,” he added.
The deputy prime minister pointed out that success in countries like Japan, Korea and Taiwan was due to usage of local tongue, and not of foreign languages or English.
“Many developed countries, or developing, have succeeded without neglecting their national language. These countries place great importance on English, but never has English taken over as their national language,” he said, adding that out of the eight world economic giants, only three countries (the US, the UK and Canada) had English as their national language.
“If we look closely at developed countries, we find that English important, but not the language that determines success,” Muhyiddin said, pointing out that Malay is compulsory in the education system and, therefore, understood by all Malaysians.
“It is best local transactions are conducted in Malay. With this, the finance institute can expand and this will increase returns,” he added.
“Malay has become the language of all races. Malay is the symbol of identity of Malaysians, and its usage will encourage racial unity.”
BM is already the country’s official language in all formal dealings with the government.
Muhyiddin, who is also education minister, recently scrapped the policy of teaching Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI) at national schools, replacing it with the pro-BM Upholding Bahasa Malaysia and Strengthening the English Language (MBMMBI).
