KUALA LUMPUR: A statement by Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) associate professor Dr Azizah Zain has sparked renewed debate on whether Malay or English should take precedence in children’s education. Speaking to Harian Metro, Azizah argued that children need a strong foundation in Bahasa Melayu (BM) before mastering a second language.
Malay vs English
Some commentators defended her view as a call to strengthen the national language, while others, particularly among non-Malay parents, questioned its relevance in a multi-racial society where English is seen as vital for global competitiveness. Critics demanded academic justification for her stance, while supporters framed it as a matter of cultural preservation. The controversy underscores Malaysia’s longstanding tensions between national identity and international opportunity in education.
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