KUALA LUMPUR: A specific budget must be allocated to boost the standard of English taught in schools and universities, says the English Speaking Union of Malaysia (Esum).
Its chairman Tunku Dara Tunku Tan Sri Naquiah Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar said although next year’s Budget allocation of RM82.1bil for the education sector is the highest in history, there’s room to allocate a fair portion to improve students’ proficiency in the all-important language for international communication, science and technology.
“If such a significant budget is set aside, Malaysia can recruit competent English teachers and lecturers including from foreign nations,” she said in a statement yesterday.
Tunku Dara said it is obvious the standard of English has been declining among Malaysians due to the language being sidelined in the country’s education system.
The government, she said, should walk the talk with the call from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the importance of the English language.
She said she believes the lack of English proficiency among Malaysian graduates is the key reason contributing to the growing phenomenon of unemployed graduates in the country.
“Ask all employers, they would very much like to hire job-seekers with a good command of English.
“It is also Esum’s view that more English teachers should be recruited to address the acute shortage,” she added.
Tunku Dara said in this regard, the government could set up specific English language units at the various teacher training colleges and universities.
