TAIPING, June 25- The role of Bahasa Melayu as the national language and instrument for unity in the country is often misunderstood and sometimes politicised, says the Regent of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah.
He said using Bahasa Melayu as the national language did not mean denying the importance of the other languages.
“The role of the lingua franca is very important and therefore should not be viewed lightly,” said Raja Nazrin after he officially opened Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Toh Johan, here, yesterday.
He said as a small country, Malaysia had various education streams, whether at the school or tertiary level and this diversity must be prevented from becoming a divisive factor.
“Therefore, every educational institution is responsible for ensuring that the one nation and one people spirit remain towards building a truly united and strong nation.”
Raja Nazrin said efforts at forging unity should transcend not only religion, race and culture, but also politics.
“Building unity should be a common agenda, what more in wanting to build a more liberal, open and healthier democratic climate,” he said, adding that the people’s morals and unity were important components in ensuring the country’s survival.
He said these aspects should also be the prime components in achieving the national education targets when evaluating the Key Performance Indicators for school achievements.
“Hence, schools should not overlook these two important components in helping to build a united and developed nation.”
Raja Nazrin also said that the mere focus on obtaining high examination marks had the potential of creating unhealthy competition which might result in negative practices.
“Discipline must be instilled in students beginning with doing small deeds like keeping the school clean to appreciating the environment, obeying the school regulations and respecting their teachers,” he said.
The SMK Toh Johan which started operating on March 5, 2012, has 18 classrooms with 362 students.
– BERNAMA
