It’s better to master more than one language, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he does not promote the English language at the expense of Bahasa Malaysia.

Neither, the Prime Minister added, does he promote the national language at the expense of English.

“Many universities in the world emphasise mastering more than one language,” he said when officiating the Higher Education Ministry’s strategy discourse at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Friday (Jan 5).

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He added that even though Indonesia and Thailand are strong proponents of their native languages, their youth in higher education institutions possess a strong command of English.

On another matter, Anwar refused to entertain Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s latest accusation that he is an expert in political manoeuvring and forming back door governments.

Instead, he advised the former prime minister to look after his health.

“It is okay (tidak apalah). Please look after your health,” Anwar told reporters after the ceremony.

Earlier Friday, Dr Mahathir denied any links to the “Dubai Move”, adding in a post on X that he has not visited the city in a long time.

ALSO READ: Dr M takes a dig at Anwar in wake of ‘Dubai Move’ claims

“Secondly, as far as I can remember, making political moves and (forming) back door governments is the specialty of the Prime Minister.

“I’m sure many remember the Sept 16, 2008 move to form a back door government. Then there was also the Kajang Move to appoint his wife to be Selangor (Mentri Besar).

“There (was also political manoeuvring) based on (statements like) ‘I have the numbers’ and ‘strong, formidable and convincing majority’,” he said.

Dr Mahathir questioned why such political moves were not regarded as treasonous or likely to cause instability.

The Dubai Move came to light after Community Communications Department (J-Kom) deputy director-general Datuk Ismail Yusop claimed on Dec 30 that there was a plot organised by Perikatan Nasional leaders and government backbenchers vacationing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).