[lg policy] Sarawak, Malaysia: Abang Johari: We will continue policy of English as official language

[Harold Schiffman]

 Abang Johari: We will continue policy of English as official language

by geryl ogilvy <http://www.thestar.com.my/authors?q=%22Geryl+Ogilvy%22>





KUCHING: The state government will continue its policy of adopting English
as the official language of the state with Bahasa Malaysia.

"It is important for the people to uphold the English language that has
become an important communication tool across the globe.

“The state’s education system is still open (liberal). Thank God the level
of English among the people here is still good.

"That is why the late Tok Nan (Tan Sri Adenan Satem) adopted English as the
official language of Sarawak apart from Bahasa Malaysia," said Chief
Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg *(pix)*.

“I will also pursue this policy so that English will remain an official
language of the state,” he said at the Save SMK St Teresa’s Nite
fundraising dinner on Saturday.

Pointing out that there should not be any issue to prioritise English at
the same level as Bahasa Malaysia, Abang Johari said education "is about
moulding oneself to get extra knowledge."

"This is so considering the emerging economies of today that leads towards
digital economy.

“When we attend overseas conferences, English is widely used, as it is a
universal language.

"If you don’t know how to communicate in English, you will feel isolated at
that conference,” he said.

Adenan, who passed away on Jan 11, has been a strong advocate for the use
of English in Sarawak.

Abang Johari announced a further allocation of RM500,000 from the state
government for the building of St Teresa’s new school block that was razed
on Oct 29 last year. This is on top of RM1mil pledged by Adenan last year.

The fire damaged the school hall, teacher’s office, library, prayer room,
counselling and music rooms including workshops.

The school needed to raise RM8.2mil to build a new block, including
additional classrooms.

Saturday’s fundraising also saw Sabati (the charitable Association of Wives
of Ministers and Assistant Ministers of Sarawak) pledged RM50,000 while
Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof donated RM20,000 to the school.
Tan Sri Leonard Linggi Jugah of Tun Jugah Foundation donated RM30,000.

St Teresa will hold events this year, including concerts, to raise the
needed funds.

Abang Johari also pledged to match the fundraising amount ringgit to
ringgit.

“Mission schools such as St Teresa have played an important role in
producing quality human capital in the country.

"These schools have produced a lot of intellectuals who have the role to
build Sarawak, to build the society.

"In a multi-religious society like Sarawak, schools like St Teresa has
moulded individuals who can mix and work together with others,” he said.
Abang Johari himself is a product of a mission school that is St Joseph
Kuching

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/01/22/abang-johari-sarawak-to-keep-english-as-official-language/

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