Speeches
Speech (delivered in Malay) by Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Home Affairs, at the Finals of the Malay Language Competitions Organised by Malay Language Unit, Ministry of Education, in conjunction with the Malay Language Month 2008, on Saturday, 19th July 2008, at 12.15pm, at First Toa Payoh Secondary School
Mr Mohamed Noh Daipi
Assistant Director, Languages and Literature Branch
Curriculum Planning Development Division, MOE
Mdm Aini Ma’arof
Principal
First Toa Payoh Secondary School
Principals, teachers, students and parents,
Introduction
It is my pleasure to join you today in the finals of the Malay Language Competitions organised by the Malay Language Unit, Ministry of Education, in conjunction with the Malay Language Month 2008.
I was informed that 40 students from 16 primary and secondary schools have qualified for the finals. I am really impressed with the participants of the ‘Three, Two, One…Action’ and ‘Creative Discussion’ competitions. I believed that participants would gain meaningful experience through the competition and further improve their Malay Language competency.
Effective User of Language
One of the key 21st century skills is the ability to communicate effectively; that is able to speak fluently and use the language well for the required situation or context. As such, we would need Malay Language users to be able to speak the language confidently and effectively. This could only be achieved if they use the language frequently and aware that it is important to use grammatically correct Malay language. In addition, Malay language should not be limited to informal communication with family and friends but should also be used for intellectual discussions that promote critical and creative thinking.
Our Role to Preserve the Language
As Malay language educators, teachers play an important role in ensuring that the learning of the Malay Language is meaningful to our students. Teachers need to provide a conducive learning environment for students to use the Malay language effectively. Activities like the competitons that we witnessed today are one of many opportunities that enable students to interact with peers from other schools, hence building their confidence to communicate with other members of the society.
We need to keep up with students changing interest, especially those in secondary schools. They are log on to the Internet-world of MSN, blogging, Facebook and these has evolved them to be computer-savvy individuals. These platforms enable them to engage in cyber-networking which they readily embrace. I would like to encourage teachers to be able to use the same platforms to develop a community of young Malay intellectuals who are able to act as a catalyst in creating critical and creative thinkers. This in turn will help to expand the Malay language speaking environment which ultimately enhance the ability to use the language effectively and creatively.
As role models, teachers would continue to exhibit good values, show enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment. They need to be pedagogically competent with deep interest in language, literature, values and culture. On top of that, teachers must show compassion and love for their students. If these characteristics are exhibited, I am sure students will be motivated and inspired to do their best. Not only will they gain content knowledge but they will also be equipped with excellent character ready to serve the society, thus fulfilling the vision of Arif Budiman.
Extensive Reading Enriching Language
One of the ways to build competency and effective language acquisition amongst our students is through reading. Exposure to extensive reading within a conducive environment will enhance students’ reading interest.
Since 2006, the Extensive Reading Programme (ERP) has been introduced in schools through structured workshops with the aim to instil the love for reading among students. It is hope that the programme would be an impetus for students to develop a habit for lifelong reading.
This year, the language competitions have been organised to support the ERP’s objectives. Through this programme, it is hope that students will understand the importance of reading as the foundation for acquiring oral and written language skills. Through reading, students would be able to enrich their vocabulary and expand their thinking which will assist them in building their language competency.
Collaborative Effort in Developing Our Identity
The success of the younger generation in using Malay language effectively depends on the collective effort of the parents, school and society. As parents, we need to work together and capitalise all opportunities to sustain the love for our own language in our children through the constant usage of good spoken language. Though English language is a lingua-franca in the globalised era, this does not mean we have to marginalise our mother tongue language. This is because through the learning of mother tongue, we can inculcate the love for our culture and preserve the unique identity of being Asian. Hence, our role as parents are imperative in ensuring the Malay language to become a living language through the continuous use of good and fluent spoken language.
Conclusion
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the Malay Language Unit, CPDD for their success in organising the competition. To all participants and schools that will emerge as winners, my heartiest congratulations. And for those whom did not, never give up. More importantly, all of you have succeeded in using the language fluently, confidently and effectively. Once again, congratulations.
Thank you.