KUALA LUMPUR Feb 10, 2025 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for an improvement in English proficiency among students, particularly in secondary schools, as part of broader national reforms.

In a report by Buletin TV3, Anwar emphasized that outdated methods of policy implementation must be replaced with more effective strategies.

“Education is at the core of institutional reforms. While enhancing Bahasa Melayu remains vital, it is equally important to ensure that English, as a second language, is effectively mastered, especially at the secondary school level,” he said.

He pointed out that under the traditional timeline, decisions made in 2023 would lead to policy drafts in 2024, finalization in 2025, pilot testing in 2026, initial rollouts in 2027, and full implementation only by 2028.

“This drawn-out process is no longer acceptable. If a decision is made in 2023, we must begin implementation in 2024,” he stressed at the Ministry of Finance’s Monthly Assembly.

Present at the assembly were Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Public Service Department Director-General Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz.

Anwar, who also holds the finance minister’s position, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to institutional reforms, focusing on improvements in public service and governance.

Previously, Anwar urged Malaysians, especially the youth, to embrace change by mastering both English and Mandarin to strengthen the nation’s position in the global economy.

He also highlighted the importance of linguistic diversity for fostering communication and creating economic opportunities.

As of 2024, Malaysia ranks third among Asian countries and 26th globally in English proficiency, according to the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI). The index evaluates English proficiency in 116 nations where English is considered a secondary language, categorizing countries from very high to very low proficiency. Malaysia achieved an impressive EF EPI score of 566.

To improve English proficiency among students, a variety of effective strategies can be implemented within schools, including:

• Interactive Classroom Activities – Debates and group discussions can encourage the usage of English language in class
• Cultivate A Passion For Reading – Reading improve one’s vocabulary, for better conversational and writing skills
• Utilize Digital Resources – Use language learning apps such as Duolingo for daily practices
• Public Speaking – Builds confidence among students and provide constructive feedback for areas of improvements.

Anwar’s calls in taking swift action to cultivate stronger English skills among Malaysian students will surely empower them, opening doors to success both locally and on the global stage for the coming times.