By Audrey Permawan

PERMATANG PAUH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said proficiency in Bahasa Melayu should remain essential for Malaysians, while learning other languages could open up greater educational and economic opportunities.

Speaking at the Sahabat Madani 2026 Merdeka Eve programme at UiTM Permatang Pauh here today, Anwar said Malaysians should not regard the development of other languages and cultures as a threat to national identity.

He said Malaysians should be encouraged to learn English, Chinese, Tamil and other languages while maintaining proficiency in Bahasa Melayu.

“We must be proficient in Bahasa Melayu, but we can also learn English, Chinese, Tamil and other languages,” he said.

He said Malaysia’s diversity should instead be regarded as a strength, with Malaysians sharing a common aspiration to elevate the country’s standing.

Anwar said national unity did not mean abandoning the identity or rights of any community, but bringing Malaysians together around shared values, humanity and a commitment to national progress.

He also urged Malaysians to reject racial and communal divisions, saying disputes over race, skin colour and ethnicity could distract the nation from addressing issues affecting everyone, including corruption, abuse of power, poverty and inequality.

“If we are still being divided and allowed to fight over race, skin colour and other issues, we cannot move towards national development,” he said.

Anwar stressed that corruption and abuse of power should never be viewed through a racial lens, arguing that those entrusted with public office must be held accountable regardless of their background.

“Whether the person who steals is Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban or Kadazan, there is no difference,” he said, adding that the country must be governed with courage, integrity and accountability.

Anwar said Malaysia’s constitutional foundations, including Islam as the religion of the Federation, the position of Bahasa Melayu, the special position of Malays and Bumiputera, and the institution of the Malay rulers, should be upheld.

He also called on young Malaysians to move beyond the divisions of the past and develop a new outlook based on knowledge, integrity and courage.

He said the younger generation had a crucial role in ensuring Malaysia remained peaceful, stable and capable of competing globally.

“This is a great nation,” he said, urging young Malaysians to honour the sacrifices of previous generations by ensuring independence continued to have meaning.