Ucapan Tun Dr Mahathir di Konferen OIC ke 17 "Islamic World Academy of Sciences (IAS)" bertajuk Leadership and Policy Components for the Knowledge Society.
(Bernama) - "Malaysians have an extremely important role of mastering English to acquire knowledge at a faster pace to ensure there is no 're-colonisation' of the country, said Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Without a good command of English, the people would not acquire knowledge quickly."
"English is the language of the Knowledge Age. Countries which do not master English will not only be left behind but risk being colonised, either directly or indirectly. Without knowledge, countries will be oppressed... Only by mastering English, could the people in this country acquire knowledge at a faster pace so as not to be left behind by development. The people would not lose their identity by seeking knowledge in English. English is not only for English people but (it is) a universal language. I am not an Englishman but I speak English. I don't think the government understands the importance of English as a language of knowledge when they decided to switch from English to Malay (in teaching Science and Mathematics)."
"English is the language of the Knowledge Age. Countries which do not master English will not only be left behind but risk being colonised, either directly or indirectly. Without knowledge, countries will be oppressed... Only by mastering English, could the people in this country acquire knowledge at a faster pace so as not to be left behind by development. The people would not lose their identity by seeking knowledge in English. English is not only for English people but (it is) a universal language. I am not an Englishman but I speak English. I don't think the government understands the importance of English as a language of knowledge when they decided to switch from English to Malay (in teaching Science and Mathematics)."
Sumber (C) 2009 Bernama
